The Names Jock and Denis O'Regan (near side) fly the last © Photo Healy Racing
Smart Flat performer The Names Jock (8s into 4/1) made a winning start over jumps in the second division of McSweeney Brothers Maiden Hurdle.
The Famous Name gelding got a trademark waiting ride from Denis O’Regan who produced him to lead on the stands’ side at the final flight and he readily went away to defeat the 2/1 favourite Dixie Flyer by two and a quarter lengths.
The 5-year-old, part-owned by broadcaster Brian Gleeson, is a three-time winner on the level with a current rating of 86 in that discipline.
Winning trainer John Kiely said: "We always liked him but he’s got a bit high in the handicap on the Flat and we have this to turn to now and I hope he’ll turn into a nice novice.
“He seems to have a little bit of class. He might not be a winter horse but he’s a nice horse for this kind of ground.
“I was anxious to see if he would jump as good on the track as he would at home. It took him into the race as there was a fair good gallop.”
Quotes from Alan Magee
