Stolberg a welcome winner for McNamara Andrew McNamara recorded his first winner since September of 2012 as Stolberg got off the mark over flights in the Munster National 12th October Qualified Riders Handicap Hurdle. The six-year-old son of Vinnie Roe won a bumper at Listowel on his debut back in September of 2012 (McNamara’s last success) and he since went eleven runs without following up. He finished second in a maiden hurdle over the course in March but disappointed since and given an initial rating of 106 he was racing off just 97 this evening. Sent off a 12/1 chance (opened on-course at 10’s) under Derek O’Connor he tracked the leaders throughout and improved to dispute the lead from the third last flight. Once ridden after the last he kept on best and stretched clear to account for Whatsdacraic by three and a half lengths. The runner-up was also returned at 12/1 under Aine O’Connor for Michael Hourigan while The Bold Beckey was a further length back in third under Rachel Blackmore for TJ Nagle at 8/1. Desert Roe was backed from 7/1 to 9/2 on track and he finished fourth while the 6/4 favourite Top Chief could only manage a disappointing sixth under Nina Carberry for Gordon Elliott. Andrew McNamara said afterwards: "Andrew rode him the last day and he said he was doing everything too slow so he told me to take him home and to wake him up and to sprint him everyday. He had been too relaxed. "I’m under no illusions that it wasn’t a stayers hurdle trial but he did beat Enjoy Responsibly here by over eight lengths (in March). "This horse was my last winner in September of 2012 and I didn’t think I would take this long to win another. "He is not entered any time soon but we might look at entering him for the end of the week at Galway." STEWARDS REPORT The Stewards requested a report from A.J. McNamara, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of Stolberg, winner, as compared with its recent form. The trainer reported that on his second last run at Listowel he finished lame, which he reported on the day, and on his last run at Limerick he ran well to a point before fading badly. The rider told him after the race, that he was very idle and to work him at home on short sharp sprints. He said this, together with an ease in the ground today and a good ride, may have brought about any improvement in form. Having considered the report, the Stewards noted the explanations offered. Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
