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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Falco Blitz scores at 16/1 for McNamaras

Sun 21st Jan 2024, 14:48

Conor McNamara guides Falco Blitz in by seven lengthsConor McNamara guides Falco Blitz in by seven lengths
© Photo Healy Racing

Eric McNamara 's Falco Blitz sluiced up in Thurles after being produced between the final two fences of the Duggan Veterinary 4Cyte Handicap Steeplechase over an extended 2m5f. Mount Frisco was undoubtedly game off the front, but was unable to repel Falco Blitz who came through to head the bottom-weight before the last.

The 16/1 shot was strong on the run-in for the trainer's son Conor McNamara as he put seven lengths on R'evelyn Pleasure (10/1) who got up for second from Mount Frisco (14/1 - 9/1).

Trainer McNamara said: "I'm delighted for Shane Carmody (owner) who is a great supporter of ours, so that winner means an awful lot to me. I'm really delighted to win for him.

"The horse had been a solid, consistent horse who deserved his day and, thankfully, it came. He was bought the same day as Real Steel (Paddy Power Chase winner), but unfortunately took longer to win. He has been a solid and sound horse though.

"If he hadn't won today, we were thinking of the veterans' chase at Limerick in a month's time, but he is entered in the Leopardstown Chase, so we can think bigger now - if you're not in, you can't win!"

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes

About Michael Graham
Michael has worked in horse racing journalism for more than 15 years, having also written a weekly betting column on Gaelic football and hurling for a newspaper. He is involved in writing the My Racing Story features on this website. He spent a year in South Africa completing a Diploma in Business Administration and also studied Newspaper Journalism in Belfast. He enjoys playing 5-a-side football on a regular basis.