Shane Nolan with jockey Conor McNamara© Photo Healy Racing
Twelve year old Youngnedofthehill was a somewhat fortunate winner of the Ladbrokes Best Odds Guaranteed Handicap Hurdle at Navan today as the Shane Nolan trained, Conor McNamara partnered gelding capitalised on the final flight fall of strong-travelling Pike County
J.P. McManus' Pike County, the well backed 11/4 favourite, improved to lead travelling strongly only to fall at the final flight, leaving Youngnedofthehill to challenge for the lead on the run-in and eventually score a four and a quarter lengths win over Above The City
Trainer Nolan later reported “that was brilliant. I got as big a kick out of that as I did when Charlie Stout won the big race (Dan Moore Memoral Chase) in Fairyhouse.
“I don't think there is anyone in the country that would begrudge him a win, for his age he's been so consistent and genuine.
“He makes it a little bit tough on himself as he has to be ridden that way, from behind. It's hard to get that just right but he got it perfect.
“I know the McManus horse (Pike County) looked to be going well but our lad was finishing strongly. Who knows what would have happened. He was due his turn anyway.
“We'll try and keep him in a higher grade with weight off his back. He's 13 now in the New Year but he loves racing and we'll keep going as long as we can.”
Quotes from Gary Carson
