The McNamara father and son team of trainer Eric and jockey Emmet took the finale on the card at Ballinrobe this evening, the Follow Ballinrobe on Facebook Maiden Hurdle, with Khayar on his thirteenth attempt over hurdles.
The 5yo winner was providing Emmet, who is now attached to the Gordon Elliott stable, with his first win under National Hunt rules.
Having run well on his last two starts when third to Redera at Roscommon and second to House Rules on his latest effort at Listowel, the son of Refuse to Bend was sent off the 3/1 second favourite.
He tracked the leaders early on under a keen hold before moving into the lead two hurdles out. He then responded well to pressure from before the last, staying on well on the run-in to score by three parts of a length. Esporao finished a close second at 5/1, while the 13/8 favourite Leah Claire disappointed, finishing a well beaten third, fourteen lengths back.
Winning trainer Eric McNamara said afterwards: "That was great and it was all the more sweet as its Emmet's first win under National Hunt rules. It's great to get him off the ground. He only has his jumps licence six weeks.
"He did it well and jumped super although slightly to the left. We might find a handicap hurdle for him at Galway next."
Donal Murphy
