Tom Weekes
McNamara maintains perfect record since memorable Listowel
Say It So and Calum Hogan (nearest)
© Photo Healy Racing
Eric McNamara's purple patch continued at Killarney today as the trainer's Say It So (11/2) provided 7lb claimer Calum Hogan with a second jumps' success in the Ross Castle Handicap Hurdle.
McNamara registered five winners at Listowel last week and while Say It So was one of his losers at the festival, today was produced with perfect timing by 18-year-old Hogan to lead on the run-in, beating Duke Silver by a half-length.
McNamara was indeed maintaining an unbeaten record with three runners since Listowel and today Hogan reported: "Say It So has plenty ability on his day but it is just getting him right, and today he travelled in snatches with me.
“Down the back straight, I had to get after him and gave him a slap down the shoulder but to be fair, I was going well turning in and knew if I got a good jump at the third-last, which I did, that I was going to get there.”
He added “I have to thank Eric as I had my first winner over jumps at Listowel last Thursday, so I'm very grateful.”