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John O'Riordan

John O'Riordan

Penny Jar continues Indian summer for Downey

Sat 24th Sep 2022, 15:32

Penny Jar and  Conor McNamara got up at Listowel Penny Jar and Conor McNamara got up at Listowel
© Photo Healy Racing

Penny Jar continued the fine recent run of the Patrick Downey stable when getting up close home to land Division l of the Kathleen Walsh Memorial Handicap Hurdle at Listowel.

Downey, who trains just a handful of horses from his base in Slane, County Meath, has enjoyed previous wins with both this horse(Penny Jar) and Little Big Rocky in recent times.

Ably assisted by his daughter Heather(Downey), the trainer has become a man to note in these handicap hurdles.

Penny Jar, who had scored at Bellewstown last time, shrugged off a 6lb rise to run out a game winner under Conor McNamara.

Patrick Downey said; "I'm delighted for Conor McNamara who has been a huge help to me over the last 12 months but am so disappointed for Paddy O'Brien who rode his first winner on him the last day.

"I had to make a heartbreaking decision who would ride and I know he is hurt but he is a big part of my plans. Paddy and Conor are two great guys who have brought us along.

"All he does is stay and he kept at it well.

"Poor old Sean Flanagan (rider of the runner-up), who lives down the road from me, said some nice words as we finished, but they can't be printed!"

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes

1st
4/1
Tote €5.80 €1.70
2nd
nk
22/1
€5.20
3rd
2.5L
50/1
€12.00
4th
5.5L
8/1
€2.40
bf
2.75L
18/5Fav
About John O'Riordan
John has worked for the Press Association since 2022. He also writes a weekly column for The Irish Field and is a regular contributor to the Irish Racing Yearbook. He has previously written for the Racing Post, Irish Examiner and Irish Daily Mirror. He has been involved in racing for over three decades; having experience as a syndicate member, sole owner and breeder.