Jockey Emmet McNamara claimed his 26th success of the Flat season, on the night he was crowned Champion Apprentice in Ireland, when partnering Romeo's On Fire to win the opening O'Doherty's Audio and Video Production Handicap at Dundalk tonight.

McNamara, who had three winners in his first season in 2007, partnered 16 of his winners for his retained yard, and Romeo's On Fire's trainer Ger Lyons.

Meath based Lyons was himself celebrating a highly successful season, with his 54 winners of the year moving him into fourth place in the Leading Trainers award.

Lyons later reported "I'm delighted with the way things have gone this year and plenty of credit must go to my team at home and I am delighted for Emmet (McNamara) too."

He added "Romeo's On Fire has been running well all year but does need this six furlongs. Hopefully he can win a good handicap next year."