Spring Meadow registers first Irish win

Well-backed Spring Meadow registered a first win in Ireland, and his third in total, when landing Limerick's Crown Paints Handicap Hurdle for in-form trainer Eric McNamara and jockey Sean Flanagan.

A faller at the second-last flight at Listowel's festival last month, the ex-Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained seven-year-old returned the strong 3/1 favourite and, in the race, travelled well and won easily from Dream In The Park

Afterwards McNamara reported “I'm delighted for John Devane and his family (owners) as they have been great supporters since they joined the stable, are lovely people and deserved this as he is a very very tricky horse. You can't get up on the horse in the parade ring although he is getting better.

“He loves good ground so we'll run him again sooner rather than later but you won't see him back here during Christmas. There is no reason why he won't jump a fence in time.”

McNamara and jockey Flanagan had also combined to win with Hees Dynamite at yesterday's meeting at the course.