Just over a week since the sad passing of his father and namesake, Andrew (Andy) McNamara saddled Very Excellent (5/1) to win the View Restaurant @ Dundalk Maiden.

The Casamento gelding, a winner over hurdles at Bellewstown last year, raced in second under talented 7lb claimer Jake Coen before being sent on two furlongs out and he stayed on well to beat Elzaamsan (5/2) and the 13/8 favourite Faron by a length and a half and the same.

After sending out a most appropriate winner, winning trainer McNamara remarked: “He started off here a few years ago and had a few nice runs. It’s the first time we’ve brought him back since.

“He won over hurdles but then got injured soon afterwards. He ran a couple of nice races this year but didn’t get his head in front so it’s nice to get him off the mark on the Flat.

“There are plenty of options for him. He can always come back here again and we may leave hurdling until the spring time. He wouldn’t want it heavy.”

Quotes from Alan Magee