Scarpeta lands claimer for McNamara and Carberry

Scarpeta grabbed his winning opportunity on the run-in of the claiming hurdle in Clonmel.

He appeared to be vulnerable as Thegoaheadman and Spare Brakes closed up on him rounding the home turn.

Scarpeta got the second last wrong and Thegoaheadman soon took a narrow lead on the outer with Spare Brakes almost on terms in the centre.

Spare Brakes worked his way to a fractional advantage at the last from Scarpeta as Thegoaheadman dropped to third.

Everything changed in jumping, though, as Spare Brakes got it all wrong and Scarpeta hit the front on the inner under Peterjon Carberry. He readily went on by three and a quarter lengths at 15/2.

Spare Brakes, the 13/8 favourite, could give no more on the run-in and took the runner-up berth. Thegoaheadman was a further length and a half back in third at 20/1.

Trainer Andrew McNamara said: "I think the eight grand was just about the right price for him! We mightn't have won with an extra 2lb.

"Peterjon gave him a lovely ride, he doesn't always try his very hardest so enjoyed making the running. He is okay to jump, that's about it, so for the most part he jumped well today. To be fair there was a fair battle on at the back of the last, for a horse who made the running.

"It was nice to get that as we haven't been having too much craic with him so far. Somebody might claim him and if they do, he might be fun for them."

This was Scarpeta's seventh success under rules.

Runner-up Spare Brakes was claimed for €5,000 by trainer Vincent Ward.

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes