Marinero and Robbie McNamara© Photo Healy Racing
The Tony Martin trained Marinero under Robbie McNamara, coasted to an effortless win in the concluding Ratoath Bumper at Fairyhouse today, readily justifying his 4/6 favourite's tag.
Marinero, translated as 'sailor' in Spanish, was patiently ridden before quickening well to lead along the inside running rail at the furlong pole. The son of Presenting eventually ran out an easy two and a quarter lengths winner over newcomer Xpectations
Martin, who lost stable star Benefficient in recent months and was also without his Flemenstar for most of the season, was impressed by the performance and later said “he had a little issue at Easter but had a great run first time out. Things just weren't right last time out but he came home and turned inside out.
“That was very impressive and we were hoping that would happen. I'll talk to Eddie (O'Leary, racing manager of Gigginstown House Stud) but he's a nice horse going forward. He wants nice ground but maybe not as quick as that today.”
By Thomas Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson.
