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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

McNamara doubles up with Flyer

Fri 9th May 2014, 20:03

Shantou gives Andrew McNamara a bit of a scare at the lastShantou gives Andrew McNamara a bit of a scare at the last
© Photo Healy Racing

Andrew McNamara completed a 12/1 double at Downpatrick when successful aboard the well-backed Shantou Flyer in the Tote-sponsored 2m5f maiden hurdle.

The Colin Bowe-trained gelding was sent to the front at the fourth last, and McNamara had his only anxious moment when the four-year-old awkwardly jumped left and lost plenty of momentum at the final flight.

However a few reminders soon had the 9/4 favourite in control on the run-in, and he was well on top at the finish to beat Pennys Tune by nine and a half lengths.

Over The Church was over four lengths further back in third.

McNamara was earlier on the mark at the northern venue aboard the Shark Hanlon-trained Patrolman in the 2m2f handicap hurdle.

Bowe said: "The step up in trip and better ground helped as did his experience. He missed the second last in Cork.

“We'll probably let him off and give him a six weeks break. I have seven or eight in for the summer."

(MG & AM)

About Alan Magee
Alan has worked in the racing industry for well over 30 years including with the Sporting Life, Turform and Irish Racing Services. He took up his current role as Irish Racing Team Leader with the Press Association in 2013. He has a keen interest in most sports and plays golf.