Emmett McNamara took a significant step to claiming the Apprentice Jockeys' Championship, with an opening race win at Dundalk tonight on Rain Delayed in opening Ulster Bank Ireland Ltd North East Business Centre Maiden.

The gelded son of Oasis Dream raced prominently before progressing to lead a furlong out, before staying on well for a length win over Pickandchoose

Winning trainer Ger Lyons was absent but was represented by his brother Shane Lyons who reported "Rain Delayed was very impressive there and looks a real sprinter to look forward to next year."

He added "we were worried that his 92 rating was too high but that was a good performance."

McNamara, the 18yo son of trainer Eric McNamara, has now ridden 24 winners this year, five more than Shane Foley, Danny Mullins, Paul Townend and Martin Haley, his nearest pursuers in the Apprentice Jockeys' Champioship.