McNamara one Irishman left smiling

The opening four-mile National Hunt Chase was a disappointing race for the Irish, at least for most, the exception being veteran rider John Thomas McNamara.

He powered the always prominent Teaforthree to a game success, giving trainer, Rebecca Curtis, her first at the festival. It was a second in the contest for McNamara and his fourth festival win overall.

Mouse Morris’ Four Commanders headed Teaforthree off the home turn, but had no more to offer from the last and was run out of second by Harry The Viking.