McNamara/Heffernan keep up the good work

Icario got the last hurdle wrong and Creative Talent wasn't long about seizing his opportunity as he took the honours in the Follow Kilbeggan On Twitter Maiden Hurdle.

Owner Andrew Heffernan and trainer Andrew McNamara enjoyed a day to remember when their Val De Ferbet landed the spoils in style in the Grade 3 Dr Vincent O'Brien Centenary Chase at Cork last Sunday.

His father Andrew senior was on the mark at Tipperary last evening with Just Call Me and here the Paul Townend-ridden Creative Talent claimed a one and a quarter length win over Icario.

The next three home were all 100/1 shots, Emilyogue Class Honours and Unwanted at distances of eight and a half lengths, fourteen lengths and a head.

"I was very disappointed with him in Clonmel but it turned out a much better race than I thought, the second horse ended up being rated about 130," said McNamara.

"He was due a turn and it's great that we got it today. I think Icario probably didn't run to his mark and we probably just ran to ours.

"The other horse was probably coming to the end of his tether (at the last). Our lad wouldn't be the strongest battler in the world but I don't think he had too much competition at the end today.

"Whatever way it happened I'm delighted to get it and the horses are running very well. I think that's our fourth winner in six runners this month.

"We'll keep this lad going during the summer and he'll probably run on the Flat as well. We'll look for a rated novice or something now."

P. Townend, rider of Creative Talent trained by Andrew McNamara, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount ran around when he hit the front.

(GC & EM)