Eric McNamara with Questions Answered (left) and Faltering Fullback © Photo Healy Racing
Faltering Fullback sprang a 33/1 shock when leading home a one-two for trainer Eric McNamara in the Guinness Kerry National at Listowel this afternoon.
The winner only got in as second reserve in the three-mile feature event and was sent off the outsider of the 18-runner field having come into the contest hopelessly out of form.
The race complesion changed at the fourth last as Whodoyouthink crased out having poached a healthy lead on the field. Wellforth was left in front but was claimed by Faltering Fullback going to the second last in the €160,000 event.
Danny Mullins sent his mount clear before the final fence and he galloped on strongly in the closing stages.
Stable-mate Questions Answered finished well to claim the runner-up spot but never looked like pegging back the winner, who recorded a five-and-a-half length success.
“Before the race I thought Questions Answered had a really good chance and I really fancied him. He ran a fabulous race to finish second,” said McNamara.
“That was a bit out of the blue in fairness and Faltering Fullback came back to what he once promised.
“He won a novice chase here before and was a very good horse but just lost his way. The three miles and bottom weight just helped him and he came back to form at the right time.
“It's been a great race for me. We won it twice with Ponmeoath and he's back today. This is his sixth run in the Kerry National and his ninth year to run here which is a great achievement. He didn't run a bad race (in eighth).
“Sean Curran is involved in both horses (Ponmeoath & Faltering Fullback). He has been the most amazing and fabulous owner and I'm delighted for him.
“There is also Mike Fitzsimmons who lives close by in Foynes and is now based in London. They are great friends as well as fabulous owners.
“We love Listowel and always target this race if we have a horse to suit.”
McNamara revealed he had got in touch with Mullins father Tony this morning about riding the winner.
“Tony has done me a turn before so I wanted to do him a turn back again. I said to him I was thinking of using Danny and he said he would be delighted to ride.”
The winning jockey was enjoying his finest moment since turning his attention to the jumps game and said:-
“Eric gave me very simple instructions and just said to jump off and do whatever makes the horse happy.
“He travelled sweetly the whole way, jumped great and just kept galloping. That's the name of the game.”
(On course reporting by Donal Murphy)
