Danny The Fence and Oran McGill win the John Thomas McNamara Handicap Hurdle © Photo Healy Racing
Danny The Fence came from what looked an impossible position early in the straight to run out a cosy winner of the John Thomas McNamara Series(Q.R.) Handicap Hurdle at Fairyhouse.
The lightly raced six-year-old, who had been off the track since finishing sixth at Carlisle in April, was sent off at 15/2 on his first try at this distance.
Held up in mid division for much of the race, the Karl Thornton trained gelding latched onto the heels of the leaders after jumping three out.
Pushed along in sixth entering the straight, he appeared to be making no impression at the penultimate flight but began to stay on from the back of that obstacle.
Fourth at the last hurdle, McGill found a more than willing partner who kept on strongly on the run-in to overhaul Mick Charlie close home.
“That was grand. We went to Carlisle and I'd say the ground was too quick for him,” said Thornton.
“I'd say the rider was a big help there, he's some value. He's a professional riding as an amateur. You have to hand it to him, he's a very good rider.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson.
