Pyromaniac burns bookies satchels

Pyromaniac justified strong morning support to score on his first outing for Tony Martin in the William Fry Handicap at Leopardstown.

Formerly trained by Tommy Stack and successful at Dundalk last November, the son of Invincible Spirit was backed from 4/1 into 7/4 before drifting out on track to go off the 11/4 favourite.

Fran Berry produced him with a strong run in the straight, leading inside the final furlong and staying on strongly to beat Stradfield Lady by a length and three quarters.

The front-running Breathe Easy was a further three quarters of a length back in third, with Castle Bar Sling taking fourth in this 1m2f event. Balmont Belle (last of the 16) was found to be lame post-race.

Martin said, “He’s a nice horse and should make into a hurdle horse. He has the size and strength.

“He’s a half-brother to Galloping Gander (won chase and two point-to-points) and Artful Artist who won over seven furlongs (at Down Royal last week).”