Blackmail enters Cheltenham Bumper picture

The Tony Martin trained Blackmail under Robbie McNamara, made it third time lucky in bumpers when easily winning the Donohoe Marquees (Pro/Am) Bumper at Leopardstown today.

The son of Black Sam Bellamy made virtually all and kept up a strong gallop in the closing stages to win by a not extended three lengths over Sizing Chile

Martin later said “that was a super performance and he deserved it. He won his point to point very well in the spring (at Templemore) and met a very good horse at Navan (Champagne James) before being beaten fair and square at Christmas. He has come back and done that very well though.

“I think he is quite decent and is a real good actioned horse and should be better on better ground. I'll have a chat with John (Breslin, owner) but I think he's plenty good enough to run in the Cheltenham Bumper. I'd prefer to keep him as a novice hurdler until next season.”

Quotes from Alan Magee