Andrew McNamara is quickly making a name for himself as a professional, and the Limerick rider opened his accounnt in the paid ranks with a 90/1 double aboard Sir Onside and Bancraft at Kilbeggan yesterday evening.
McNamara, 21, successfully adopted front-running tactics aboard Sir Onside in the three miles novice hurdle, sending Tim Doyle's charge clear approaching two out to beat Saor Go Deo by five lengths. The 6/1 chance paid a massive 19.70 for a win on the Tote, while the 8/15 favourite Top Ben was under pressure with a circuit to go and beaten three out.
'I thought I might get caught three out but he dug deep, and it's nice to get off the mark. That's my 15th winner in total on the track, and my claim is now reduced from 7lb to 5lb,' said McNamara, who rides out for Doyle, John Murphy as well as his father Andrew.
The champion novice rider on the point-to-point circuit this year before turning pro just last week, McNamara teamed up with his father and namesake to take the beginners chase on Bancraft. The six-year-old gelding also made much of the running, and maintained the gallop to beat Peach Of A Citizen by nine lengths.
The 12/1 success, paying over double those odds on the Tote, was not a complete surprise to his trainer, who said, 'I always knew he had the ability, and the blinkers made a difference. He wore them once before but on soft ground.'
Por Chablis also made virtually all in the opening maiden hurdle, battling on well in the straight under Timmy Murphy to beat Highpower by a length, with 4/6 favourite Short And Sweet (fourth) dropping away after a mistake three out.
'The dam State Princess won a good few races for us on the Flat and over hurdles, and this is a real summer horse. If he gets a reasonable mark, he'll go handicapping,' said trainer Dessie Hughes.
The featured Bank Of Ireland Handicap Hurdle went to the 6/4 favourite Barrack Buster, leading off the home bend for Ruby Walsh to beat Hunters Bar by two lengths. 'She's won three out of three at this track, and seems to go well right-handed. I would like to win a race with her on the Flat, and may look for a two miles handicap,' said trainer Martin Brassil.
Donie Hassett was as surprised as most racegoers when Burren Moonshine was called the winner after a photo-finish to the three miles handicap hurdle. After Keith Hadnett's mount and Taking Silk flashed past the post, the vast majority believed the latter had prevailed on the far side but the photo print told a different story. 'She would be better on a galloping track, and we'll try to win another one of these before going over fences,' said Hassett of the point-to-point winner.
The victory of 20/1 outsider Mr Rufo was welcomed by two lucky jackpot punters each receiving a dividend of 3,852 euro. However the veteran grey was greatly helped by Ballinarrid drifting badly left on the run-in when looked set to win.
Alan Magee
