McNamaras strike with new acquisition

The father and son team of Eric and Conor McNamara successfully teamed up with Gaelic Des Chastys in division one of the Ladbrokes Play ‘1-2-Free’ On Football Handicap Hurdle at Punchestown.

The eight-year-old has joined the Rathkeale trainer this year from Alan Donoghue and was opening his account at the 20th attempt.

The 10/1 chance was kept wide by Conor McNamara in the straight and, following a protracted battle with Del Girl just got the better of that rival by a short-head.

The 7/2 favourite Warmer Days Ahead kept on one paced a length and a quarter back in third with The Virginian completing the places in fourth.

Eric McNamara said, “He’s a new horse to the yard and has been doing everything really nicely since we got him.

“I think the secret to him is a bit of nice ground. He’s a real good actioned horse and I’d like to think there is a bit of improvement in him.

“He can be very keen amongst horses and we decided to go wide with him. That was the plan and it worked. Conor gave him a good ride.

“He’s a nice addition to the yard and I’d like to think he can win another one.”