Bothar Clei and Robbie McNamara© Photo Healy Racing
Robbie McNamara opened his account as a professional when producing Bothair Clei with a well timed run to take the 2m6f beginners chase at Tramore.
McNamara, who rode nearly 150 winners as an amateur including Cheltenham Festival success in March aboard Silver Concorde and Spring Heeled, joined the professional ranks three weeks ago after a number of years struggling to control his weight.
Beginners’ chases are by nature full of drama and a number of fences were omitted due to incidents in this race, with the final fence bypassed on the last two circuits after a loose horse broke the wing.
The front-running Company Coming still held the advantage approaching the bypassed final fence but McNamara had kept a bit up his sleeve to pounce late.
The nine-year-old son of Snurge, a 10/1 chance, scored by half a length, with Corporate Box another two and a half lengths further back in third.
Winning trainer Donie Murphy said, "We will see what the handicapper does before we decide on where to go next. I thought the track mightn't suit him here as he's more of a staying type of horse.
"In fairness he travelled well and jumped well. I'll see what is in Limerick for him."
(DM & AM)
