Uhavemeinstitches follows in National-winner's hoof-prints J.P. McManus’ Uhavemeinstitches (8/11f) followed in the hoof-prints of her Irish Grand National-winning dam Bluesea Cracker in landing Limerick’s featured Grade 3 Hugh McMahon Memorial Novice Chase today, scoring for both mares’ trainer James Motherway. Ridden in today’s four-runner race by Mark Walsh, Uhavemeinstitches made most of the running and while strongly pressed by You Oughta Know on the run-in, held on well for a half-length success. Uhavemeinstitches is the third foal of Bluesea Cracker, winner of the 2009 renewal of the Limerick race and the 2010 Irish National for the Note The Link Syndicate, prior to being purchased by McManus ahead of an unplaced run in the 2011 English National. With owner McManus and wife Noreen present, Motherway mentioned “Bluesea Cracker had a few older foals who unfortunately didn’t set the world on fire, so J.P. gave her back to us during covid. “After Uhavemeinstitches, I’ve bred two more, a five-year-old by Wings Of Eagles, who runs shortly in a point-to-point, and another three-year-old by Old Persian who is entered in the Derby Sale. “Temperament-wise, Bluesea Cracker was cranky in her box but Uhavemeinstitches is a very cool customer. The dam won this race (in 2009) but I rate this mare above her and she a little bit better. We’ve always likes this one and she has a lovely nature. “It was great to have both J.P. and Noreen here today and they are fantastic owners. This is their only horse with me at the moment.” The Cloyne, Co Cork-based handler added “today’s race was always going to be a tricky affair and they didn’t go mad fast, so Mark (Walsh) decided after a circuit, to take up the running. My own preference is to get a tow into any race but she jumped like a buck. “I thought Paul Townend gave the runner-up (You Oughta Know) a brilliant ride and I saw he was teeing us up to have one go at us, but our mare was tough and Mark said she won cosily enough. It was a nice pot to win and is more blacktype for the mare. “We were waiting for the weights for the Irish National but I don’t think she’ll get a run as she is too far down. In fairness it might have been a tough ask for a first-season novice so I was glad to come here. I’ll talk to Frank (Berry, racing manager) next week and make a plan then. “J.P. has been a superb and loyal owner to us and it is nice to have a nice mare like this for him.”
