Double for McNamara as Heavenly Brook wins

Andrew McNamara did the steering on Heavenly Brook in the beginners chase as the pair came home clear in the final race of day one at Fairyhouse’s Easter Festival.

McNamara secured a double on the day after Shadow Eile #8217;s earlier win and this followed up on a double at Clonmel on Thursday for the in-form jockey.

Heavenly Brook was a 16/1 chance in the 16-runner race over an extended two miles six furlongs. He led three out and kept up to his work to beat Lord Redsgirth (14/1) by 12 lengths. King Of The Refs who was always prominent, weakened to finish five and a half lengths behind the runner-up in third at 9/2.

Successful trainer Noel Henley said: “The change in ground made the difference. He ran a very good race the day he was fifth in Naas behind Lambro on better ground [12th November].

“He had two very bad days ground at Gowran and here [26th November and 17th December]. He made a few small mistakes today, but jumped well on the whole.

“It’s his first run since the 17th of December which was actually my birthday. Today was actually my wife’s birthday and our anniversary so that’s a coincidence.” El Fontan the 4/1 favourite for Dessie Hughes and Bryan Cooper, was pulled up two out.

Michael Graham