Penny Jar and Conor McNamara got up at Listowel © Photo Healy Racing
Penny Jar continued the fine recent run of the Patrick Downey stable when getting up close home to land Division l of the Kathleen Walsh Memorial Handicap Hurdle at Listowel.
Downey, who trains just a handful of horses from his base in Slane, County Meath, has enjoyed previous wins with both this horse(Penny Jar) and Little Big Rocky in recent times.
Ably assisted by his daughter Heather(Downey), the trainer has become a man to note in these handicap hurdles.
Penny Jar, who had scored at Bellewstown last time, shrugged off a 6lb rise to run out a game winner under Conor McNamara.
Patrick Downey said; "I'm delighted for Conor McNamara who has been a huge help to me over the last 12 months but am so disappointed for Paddy O'Brien who rode his first winner on him the last day.
"I had to make a heartbreaking decision who would ride and I know he is hurt but he is a big part of my plans. Paddy and Conor are two great guys who have brought us along.
"All he does is stay and he kept at it well.
"Poor old Sean Flanagan (rider of the runner-up), who lives down the road from me, said some nice words as we finished, but they can't be printed!"
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
