Dai scores on hurdle debut

Andrew McNamara was unveiled as secretary of the newly formed Irish Injured Jockeys Board at a pre-racing launch in Punchestown, and he marked the occasion when successful on the track aboard Dai Bando in the Go Racing In Kildare 3YO Maiden Hurdle.

A fair juvenile maiden last year for Patrick Prendergast, the Montjeu gelding was a promising third on the flat when reappearing under the care of Ross O’Sullivan at Roscommon last month.

The 7/2 chance had just taken it up when untidy at the last and soon edged right to give 5/2 favourite Batchelors Walk a nudge.

However he soon asserted for McNamara and had three lengths to spare at the line.

A stewards enquiry was called but the placings remained unaltered.

O’Sullivan said, “He’s jumped well from the word go. He’s taken to hurdles well, and Andy said after turning into the straight he got a bit lonely and that’s why he missed the last.

“Apart from that he jumped great and I’d say he’ll only improve. He might go for the winners’ race in Down Royal.

"He's stronger this year, and we should have a bit of fun with him. He still has a reasonable mark on the flat.

"He'll stick to jumping for now but maybe after Christmas we could look at going back on the flat. He wouldn't want it too heavy as he's not over-big.”

(GC & AM)