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Donal Murphy

Donal Murphy

McNamara's on the mark with Celtic Dancer

Thu 30th May 2019, 18:30

Celtic Dancer jumps the last under Conor McNamaraCeltic Dancer jumps the last under Conor McNamara
© Photo Healy Racing

The father and son team of Eric and Conor McNamara combined to take the Play The Tote Superfecta On Every Race Handicap Hurdle with Celtic Dancer

Having shown very little before today, the son of Court Cave was sent off an easy to back 14/1 chance in the colours of the Celtic Steps Syndicate.

After racing towards rear, the six-year-old bay took closer order from three out and came with his effort on the outer before the next.

He was pushed along to lead before the final flight, and kept on well from there to see off the late effort of Onefortherose by half a length.

The Harry Kelly trained runner-up was returned at 11/1 under Sean Flanagan, while Musical Ava (6/1) was another length and a half back in third. Pack Your Bags was sent off the 5/4 favourite (from 7/4 on-course), and he finished a disappointing sixth.

The winning trainer said afterwards: "It's nice to win with him because he has been a bit disappointing to be honest. We always had faith that someday he was going to win.

"His jumping today was a bit better because he has always made mistakes for a horse that has an awful lot of schooling done.

"Conor gave him a fine ride and he got his day basically. He may very well go to Listowel on Monday and carry a six pound winners penalty.

"Conor is only young but he is doing well and getting more experience the whole time. He is in a good yard in Gavin Cromwell's and he is riding out in Willie Mullins’ now as well so it’s onwards and upwards hopefully."

The winner is a half-brother Lightentertainment and Colonial Dreams, who have won seven and four times respectively.