Drifting Back and Conor McNamara (left) win from Rippon Lodge © Photo Healy Racing
The RED MILLS Irish EBF Auction Maiden Hurdle went to the father and son team of Eric and Conor McNamara with Drifting Back (6/1). Rippon Lodge went clear after the second-last and looked set for victory, but he began to labour in the home straight and was reeled in by the strong-staying winner who scored by a length and a quarter, with the first two well clear of the 7/4 favourite Silk Worm
The winning Stowaway 6-year-old had a few decent runs on winter ground last term and was scoring here on his first run since March.
“We had him good and fit and I thought it was a winnable race,” said winning trainer Eric McNamara.
“With his handicap mark you’d imagine he’d probably be better off running in a handicap rather than a maiden, but some of the maiden hurdles just at the minute are maybe not the most competitive.
“We entered him and when we saw the race we thought it was suitable as the distance was absolutely perfect for him as well.
He added: “This horse is 16.2, a fine big chasing type. He’ll definitely go chasing in time but he’ll probably stick to hurdles for the next couple of months.
“I’m particularly delighted to get a winner for Tadhg Geary — a good patron of mine.
“It’s my first winner for him and he’s a Newcastlewest man.”
Additional reporting by Eamonn Murphy
