Odds-on punters had their hearts in their mouths at the second last in the opening Jockeys Association Maiden Hurdle at Galway as hotpot Natural High blundered badly.

Robbie McNamara had tracked the leaders on the 4/9 favourite before moving into contention going to the penultimate flight.

The Sadler's Wells gelding got it all wrong, however, and did really well to stay on his feet as he crashed through the hurdle.

McNamara gave his mount time to recover and he still had plenty in the tank - hitting the front before the last and going on for a cosy two-and-a-half length win. Dowd's Angle just got up on the line to pip Flemingstown for second.

"He jumped well but just missed out the second last and nearly paid for it," said Weld afterwards.

"It knocked his confidence a bit. He jumped the last adequately. He should progress for the run.

"Hopefully he'll make a nice hurdler. He would enjoy going further. Maybe 2m2f or 2m4f."

McNamara added:- "It was a lack on concentration from him and maybe a bit of excitement on my part. He found a leg well and did it well in the end.

"He jumped very well early on - until the second last and just got a bit tight to the last. He's never been that quick over hurdles before."

Gary Carson