Andrew McNamara after riding his fourth winner of the Killarney August Festival© Photo Healy Racing
Andrew McNamara recorded his fourth winner of the Killarney August Festival, as Paddy The Celeb took the opener this afternoon, the Killarney Plaza Hotel Maiden Hurdle.
Trained by Mick Halford, the seven-year-old son of Peintre Celebre was making his debut over hurdles, having performed well on the flat this season, winning a valuable handicap at the Curragh on Guineas weekend.
Owned by Paul McMahon, the chestnut gelding was sent off the clear 11/8 favourite (drifted from an opening show of 5/4 on-course). Charnley attempted to make all under Andrew Lynch for Henry De Bromhead, and he was still in front at the third last, but he crashed out there, bringing down Dromrua Lass
Paddy The Celeb, who was close up throughout, had joined Charnley on the run to the third last, and he was in front after that flight.
He was then challenged and joined by Indian Outlook two out, and they jumped the final flight together, with Paddy The Celeb coming away from it quicker, going on to score by a length at the line.
Indian Outlook ran a fine race to take second at 10/1 under Jody McGarvey for Adrian Maguire, while Sir Harry Cash was four and a half lengths back in third under Rob Jones for Eric McNamara at 16/1.
Mick Halford said afterwards: "He jumped away well. The ground is well watered and it is good and safe.
"He was entitled to win a race like this and we will probably look for a novice for him now.
"Andrew said that he wasn’t that quick away from the back of his hurdles, but he was nice and clean, and a good jump at the last probably won it for him.
"He is fierce genuine but you won’t see him on heavy ground. If you see him over the winter it will be at Dundalk."
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
