Flyer flags but punters catch a new chase hero

SOMEONE, please send an iron. The Tricolour was wrapped around so many jockeys yesterday it was badly in need of a good pressing.

In a day of drama and triumph, punters' pal Moscow Flyer bowed out with dignity, but not without leaving Irish hopes in the hands of a new hero.

Newmill is the new champion chaser and Andrew McNamara the latest master of the saddle. McNamara's band only play one tune Olé, Olé, Olé but they played loud and proud as the new lad on the scene entered the winner's enclosure.

No one was prouder than mother. "That's a smile for the mammy," said Kathleen McNamara, as young Andrew beamed after catching sight of her.

Kathleen, dad Andrew senior, and aunties Mary Murphy and Ann Weekes had one dilemma. "We're all due to go home to Croom tonight," said Mary.

"I think we might have to cancel the flights."

Trainer Noel Meade was another delaying flights.

Jinxed time and again at Cheltenham, things finally came right with Nicanor. "If I didn't win today I was going home.

"I'll stay now."

There were four Irish winners yesterday, but one brought thoughts of joy and sorrow.

You're So Special was such a shock winner it caught the owners off guard. Pearl and Brendan O'Rourke bought the horse for daughter Diane to show how much she meant to them, after she suffered the tragedy of losing a baby. Pearl fought tears as she explained: "We just wanted to say: You're so special to us.'"