McNamara upbeat about Brown

STRANGELY BROWN will be out to prove himself as a Grade One performer when he lines up in the Whitewater Champion Stayers’ Hurdle at Punchestown on Thursday.

Although the five-year-old scored at the highest level in France last June, he has yet to notch a win on home shores in the best company.

Trainer Eric McNamara sent him to Aintree earlier in the month and he duly picked up a Listed hurdle but Strangely Brown will be stepping back up in trip to three miles this time.