Jockey Robbie McNamara maintained his near perfect association with Dermot Weld this season with another win for the trainer, in the Rosslare Hunters Chase at Wexford today, on Merchant Royal

McNamara raced the son of Kayf Tara prominently throughout and although Twin Joy arrived with a winner’s chance approaching the final fence, Merchant Royal’s faster jump helped seal victory on the run-in, for a two lengths win.

Weld Snr was not present but his son, and winning owner, Kris Weld did later say “it’s great to have two winners in a week in my own colours (New Phase at Cork on Wednesday being the other)! Robbie said they went very slow early on today but once they quickened up, he did it well.

“He is still a bit inexperienced and there is nothing for him for the rest of this year. We’ll go for something in the New Year and we won’t rule out the Foxhunters’ Chase at Cheltenham for him.”

The win was McNamara's seventh winner from just eight rides for Weld this season.