Andy McNamara pictured with his parents and Jonathan Moore before his first runner, Stay With It, at Clonmel© Photo Healy Racing
Mount Gunnery made it two wins from as many starts at Clonmel when justifying strong support in the Kilsheelan Beginners Chase.
The Pat Fahy-trained gelding won a maiden hurdle here last May and, having been placed on both chase outings this term, was sent off the 11/10 favourite.
The son of Kayf Tara was prominent throughout under David Mullins, who sent him on approaching the penultimate fence.
The eight-year-old gelding soon asserted, and only needed to be pushed out to beat the staying on After Aspen by five lengths. Buck Dancing made much of the running but could find no extra finishing a further half-length away in third. Stay With It Andy McNamara's first runner since taking out a training licence, could find no extra from two out to finish sixth.
Fahy said, "That was great and I'm delighted with him. Conditions suited but he needed to win today as I'm thinking about running him in the 0-140 handicap chase at Cheltenham.
"He'll be entered and if he gets in, I wouldn't mind going over with him. He has had three quick runs and will have a lovely freshen up now."
The Co. Carlow trainer also had news of stablestar Morning Assembly saying, "I'm thrilled with the weight he was given (for the Grand National). He has a lovely weight.
"He's not a plodder and could next run in the 3m1f handicap chase at Cheltenham. He'll then be freshened up and have out shot at it (Grand National)."
(TW & AM)
