Martello Towers over G3 rivals for Milan

Martello Tower (6g Milan-Johnsalice, by Zaffaran) had to give 6lb to his rivals in the G3 Cliona’s Foundation Novice Hurdle at Limerick on Monday but that proved no obstacle to the improving son of Milan.

The six-year-old, bred by Martin Cullinane, showed great tenacity when carrying Barry Connell’s yellow and black colours to victory in the three-mile contest and he now looks a leading contender for the G3 Albert Barteltt Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham.

“He has great heart and battled back well. Hopefully it is onwards and upwards. He’s never going to be a horse that will win by more than a small margin,” Connell told irishracing.com.

Martello Tower is trained by Mags Mullins and was ridden by her son Danny, who added: "He was very tough. I think there will be plenty more big days in this fellow. He’ll need to step up to go to Cheltenham, but in fairness he has been stepping up so far.”