McNamara’s enterprising tactics pay dividends

AN enterprising, front-running ride by Andrew McNamara enabled Fearnwood Girl land the featured Irish Stallion Farms Novice Hurdle at Sligo yesterday.

Fearnwood Girl, winner of her maiden over course and distance in May, was a reluctant early leader. But McNamara, knowing that his mount stays well, quickly committed himself to dictating the pace and, having poached an eight or ten lengths lead at one stage, kept going to beat Vivaldi by two lengths.

“It’s nice to get a pot like that,” said delighted trainer McCourt. “Andrew felt there wouldn’t be much pace in the race and said he’d be happy to let her slip on in front. Making the running definitely made a difference and was probably the winning of it. Although she’s not the quickest, she keeps going.