Shantou gives Andrew McNamara a bit of a scare at the last© Photo Healy Racing
Andrew McNamara completed a 12/1 double at Downpatrick when successful aboard the well-backed Shantou Flyer in the Tote-sponsored 2m5f maiden hurdle.
The Colin Bowe-trained gelding was sent to the front at the fourth last, and McNamara had his only anxious moment when the four-year-old awkwardly jumped left and lost plenty of momentum at the final flight.
However a few reminders soon had the 9/4 favourite in control on the run-in, and he was well on top at the finish to beat Pennys Tune by nine and a half lengths.
Over The Church was over four lengths further back in third.
McNamara was earlier on the mark at the northern venue aboard the Shark Hanlon-trained Patrolman in the 2m2f handicap hurdle.
Bowe said: "The step up in trip and better ground helped as did his experience. He missed the second last in Cork.
“We'll probably let him off and give him a six weeks break. I have seven or eight in for the summer."
(MG & AM)
