Stolberg scores again for McNamara

Stolberg is fast becoming a course specialist at Limerick and gained his third win at Greenmount Park when running out a cosy winner of the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle.

Andrew McNamara 's charge had registered two previous victories over timber at the course, his most recent coming last month.

Conor Brassil was to the fore throughout on the 3/1 co-favourite today and he poached a few lengths on his rivals after the third last.

The Vinnie Roe gelding was clear before the second last and could afford to ease down in the closing stages to record a two-and-a-quarter length victory over He Is Top Class

Fellow co-favourite Liclash was half a length back in third while the other market leader Master Oscar was tailed off in sixth.

"I knew coming here he was better than when he won here previously,” said McNamara.

"He'll obviously go for the Martinstown Final at Punchestown next and I'm sure he'll get into the race after that."

He also quipped:- "I must be a better vet than trainer as I've cured all his heart, leg and wind problems!"

(Quotes by Thomas Weekes)