Sweet Will (nearest) © Photo Healy Racing
Sweet Will (5/1) made a winning debut over fences in the two-and-half mile handicap chase in the hands of Conor McNamara.
The five-year-old Flat-bred, a winner over hurdles at Cork on his previous start, made a few errors before working his way into a challenging position two out.
Gavin Cromwell 's winner asserted before the last and made use of his 16lb concession from topweight Quantum Realm to account for that one by three and a quarter lengths. Quarry Girl was a further eleven lengths away in third.
The winning rider said: "He handles that ground and all he does is gallop.
“It was a bit of an unknown first time over fences. He made a few novicey mistakes but jumped ok most of the way.
“He got a mark of 93 from his hurdle mark and hopefully the handicapper isn’t too hard on him. He’s beaten well exposed handicappers there.”
This was McNamara's 14th winner of the campaign and brought Cromwell's tally to 52 which is what he finished on last term.
Quotes from Alan Magee
