McNamara eyes pro success at festival

Robbie McNamara enjoyed two winners as an amateur rider at the Cheltenham Festival in 2014, but will be shooting for his first professional victories this time around.

After spending the best part of 10 years in the amateur ranks, the 26-year-old took the brave decision to abandon his part-time status last November, no doubt spurred on by what had been a landmark year.

Victories on the Dermot Weld-trained Silver Concorde in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper and Jim Cullloty's Spring Heeled in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Handicap Chase really propelled him to the top rank - particularly as both carried the colours of leading owner Dr Ronan Lambe, who also owns the 2014 Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Lord Windermere

It was no real surprise to see McNamara hitting the Festival heights, though, because he hails from fine racing stock as his brother Andrew is also a jockey who partnered Newmill to victory in the 2006 Queen Mother Champion Chase, while his father, also Andrew, trained the 1985 Arkle Trophy Chase scorer Boreen Prince.

Reflecting on last year's big Cheltenham double, McNamara said: "Silver Concorde won very well in the Champion Bumper last year. I fancied him before the race. I just was a little concerned about the trip and staying up the hill but he settled well for me.

"Spring Heeled's win was a little bit more of a surprise. He had some very good form two or three runs beforehand but had disappointed subsequently at Cheltenham in November and at Leopardstown on softer ground.

"He jumped and travelled really well in the Kim Muir and was good that day."

McNamara admits Cheltenham is in his blood, and last year's wins will live long in his memory after some previous near-misses.

"Cheltenham has always played a big part in our family, with my father winning the Arkle in 1985 and Andrew winning the Queen Mother on Newmill," he said.

"I have ridden at Cheltenham many times and have ridden plenty of well-fancied horses. I have knocked on the door with seconds and thirds, so that made last year's victories even more special."

McNamara would not appear the most likely jockey as he measures 6ft 3in, but he believes his switch to the full-time ranks is making life a little easier.

He said: "I don't find it any harder riding as a professional. In fact my weight is easier to control as I am riding more regularly, while as an amateur I was only riding maybe once or twice a week."

Spring Heeled is once again a possible Festival mount this year, holding entries in the Ultima Business Solutions Handicap Chase and the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The Crabbie's Grand National remains his main objective, but McNamara insists he will not be out of place if he takes his chance at the top table.

He said: "I think the plan was for Spring Heeled to go to Fairyhouse (fourth in the Bobbyjo Chase), then Cheltenham and then the Grand National.

"Spring Heeled ran in the Galway Plate in July when he was giving 7lb to Roads To Riches and finished fourth.

"He improved 18lb I think from to 2013 to 2014 and, while I am not saying he would win a Gold Cup, I don't think he would disgrace himself either. It won't be just a prep for Aintree, I think he can run a nice race."