Courtncatcher and Andrew McNamara dominate at Roscommon© Photo Healy Racing
Courtncatcher forged on from two out and came home the clear winner of the three mile handicap hurdle at Roscommon.
His trainer Patrick Duffy’s last winner was 3253 days ago on July 15 2004 with Daranado at Killarney. He has had 60 runners since then.
There were plenty in with chances in the bunched field, but Andrew McNamara pushed his mount into the lead at the second last, and they duly recorded a three and three quarter length success at 8/1.
“I thought the handicapper was after getting to him and he would never win. Where he goes now I don’t know, it all depends on the handicapper,” Patrick Duffy said.
“I had a few winners years ago. They are very hard to get.”
Fellow trainer John Kiely stood in for the winning photographs and Patrick Duffy added: “John Kiely is a neighbour of mine and a best friend forever.” Tico showed a welcome return to form in second at 25/1 and recent winners Raheenwood (14/1) and Wontbelongnow (5/1) rewarded each way punters in third and fourth.
This was Courtncatcher’s first win on the six-year-old’s 19th attempt. He was second at Cork last month in a three mile handicap hurdle.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
