McNamara makes dream start at Cork

Robbie McNamara made the dream start to his training career, as his first runner Chadic took the opener at Cork, the Mallow Maiden Hurdle.

A three time winner on the level when trained in the UK, the winning son of Echo Of Light was bought for 21,000 pounds at Tattersalls in April.

Fitted with a tongue strap and visor for the first time today, he was sent off a 12/1 chance in the colours of Dr Ronan Lambe.

After racing mainly in third, he improved into second after four out. He got to the front on the approach to the second last, and he was ridden out from there, going on to score by two lengths under seven pound claimer Conor Brassil (fourth winner from last five rides). D'Pinesflyer (66/1) ran a fine race to finish second under Ryan Treacy for Patrick Neville, while Rock Lobster (8/1) was half a length back in third under Bryan Cooper for Gordon Elliott. Island Remede was sent off the well-backed 5/2 favourite (from 4's) and he was another length and three parts away in fourth.

Robbie McNamara said afterwards: "He was a little bit clever and minded himself a small bit but has plenty ability and will improve from that.

"The two I fancied most are yet to come although Call Vinnie might struggle a small bit as he is up in trip.

"I fancied him and thought his price of 10/1 this morning was ridiculous - I thought he'd be six or seven to four.

"He works very well and was a 90 rated flat horse for a while - I'd say he just got a little sick of racing and wasn't in love with the game. The way he jumps he seems to mind himself a small bit but he schools very well at home.

"He'll progress and while he won't be a Supreme Novices horse, he could pick up a few races along the way.

"He could very easily go for the novice hurdle on the first day of Galway - that was the plan although I don't think Dermot Weld will be too happy!

"He could also go for the amateur handicap but we'll see how he comes out of this.

"I rode an awful lot of winners for Dr Lambe and before I got the fall he said he'd support me when I go training. I can't thank him enough and he has a lovely bunch of six horses in my yard - I have 19 in total and only four of those were ready to run."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes