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Mark Nunan

Mark Nunan

Billy's Angel another for in-form Conor McNamara

Mon 17th Aug 2020, 13:56

Billy's Angel and Conor McNamara jump the lastBilly's Angel and Conor McNamara jump the last
© Photo Healy Racing

The Junction Handicap Hurdle went to 66/1 chance Billy’s Angel continuing a fine run of form for jockey Conor McNamara. This was the 5lb claimer’s fourth win in his last nine rides and, in a race where the pace steadied before halfway, he had his mount handy before sending him to the front four flights from home.

In the straight a couple looked to be going well in his slipstream, but the Vertical Speed gelding found plenty to win by two and a quarter lengths form Rock On Seamie with Fight For Love in third.

The 3/1 favourite Automatic finished ninth.

A bumper winner early in his career at Ballinrobe, the winner had landed a handicap hurdle at Clonmel last year but had been off the track since an unplaced run last Christmas at Down Royal.

Winning trainer Adrian Murray said: "He always runs well fresh but we were a little bit worried about the ground. Easy, flat tracks suit him and while I have nothing in mind for him next, he could eventually go back over fences.

"That is Conor's first ride for me and he gave the horse a great ride."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes

1st
66/1
Tote €56.80 €11.60
2nd
2.25L
11/2
€2.00
3rd
4.75L
50/1
€11.10
4th
6.5L
16/1
bf
31L
3/1Fav
About Mark Nunan
Mark has followed racing since he was a teenager and worked for many years as a broadcaster with the Irish version of Racecall. He joined the Press Association in 2019 and is also a contributor to the Racing Post. A native of Kildare, he now lives in Sligo.