Double for McNamara as Lilly springs surprise

Andrew McNamara recorded a double (won on Streets Of Newyork in the first) at Ballinrobe this afternoon, after his mount Lillymile sprang a 33/1 surprise in the Sponsors Day at Ballinrobe Maiden Hurdle over 2m 4f, for trainer Pauline Gavin.

The 6yo daughter of Revoque won a point-to-point at Killashee back in November of last year but showed nothing on her three starts on the racecourse since and pulled up at Roscommon last time out on her second start over hurdles behind Madam Bovary.

The runner-up Imperial Joey (5/1) led the field into the straight with the winner hot on his heels. As they raced to the last she passed him but a better jump by the runner-up saw he retake the lead.

However she battled back gamely on the run-in getting up close home to win by three parts of a length.

The pair went twenty seven lengths clear of the third who was the 3/1 favourite Russian Regent

Winning trainer Pauline Gavin said afterwards: "She was really free the last day at Roscommon. We were worried about the ground today.

"She will go over fences soon. He is owner Sean Murphy, bred him as well and he is from Monivea, Co Galway."