Stampy completes quick double for McNamara

Emmet McNamara completed a quick 23/1 double at Tramore as he partnered the David Broad trained Little Stampy to victory in the O’Neills Bar Handicap.

This chestnut daughter of Artan started at 11/1 this morning but opened on track at just 8’s before going off a 7/1 chance.

Held up in the early stages she was fifth after halfway and made progress into third five furlongs from home.

She came with her challenge entering the straight and hit the front a furlong out, keeping on well from there to score by three lengths at the line.

The Pat Martin trained Oceania Queen kept on to take second under Connor King at 7/1 while Celtic Artisan was a further seven and a half lengths back in third under Billy Lee for Ken Condon at 6/1. Hallo Rosie was sent off an easy to back 5/2 favourite (opened at 7/4) but she could only manage a disappointing fourth under Philip Donovan for Paul Deegan.

David Broad, who trains the winner for his father Albert, said afterwards: "We were waiting a while for that. A lot of thanks goes to Keith Cooper who rides her out every day.

"She is only a little pony at 14.2hh, she has the heart of a lion and she will go for something similar.

"Two miles around Dundalk in the winter would suit her as she stays all day. She will pay her way and we will enjoy tonight anyway."

Emmet McNamara reported afterwards that he is now based with Aidan O’Brien and he rides out for him six days a week.

STEWARDS REPORT

L.F. Roche, rider of Wildcat Kitten (USA), trained by D. K. Weld, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount lost his action in running.

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Wildcat Kitten (USA), trained by D. K. Weld, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

The Stewards interviewed Gary Paul Halpin, rider of Pennys Angel trained by J.T.Gorman, concerning his failure to jump off and race with the other runners when the race had started.

Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who stated that he was walking to the tape as he had been instructed and as he had done in previous races this evening when the other runners jumped off at speed. He added that he shouted to the starter that he was not ready but to no avail.

Evidence was also heard from J.R. Banahan, Turf Club Senior Starter. Having viewed the recording and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that Gary Paul Halpin was in breach of Rule 208 (e) by failing to take all reasonable measures to take part in this race when it had been started and consequently suspended him for 3 racedays having taken his good previous record into consideration.