Poignant Bumper success for McNamara on Concorde

Robbie McNamara, first cousin of John Thomas McNamara, so tragically paralysed in a fall at the meeting a year ago, rode his first Festival winner when taking the Weatherbys’ Champion Bumper on the Dermot Weld-trained Silver Concorde.

For Weld, who also ran the heavily-backed Vigil in the race, ridden by Pat Smullen, it was a first success at Cheltenham since Rare Holiday gave him his only other win at the Festival in the Triumph Hurdle of 1990.

The 25-year-old McNamara, who stands 6 foot, three inches tall, has always fought a huge battle with his weight and admitted he was on the verge of quitting the saddle after Galway last summer.

“I was going to quit, but then worked on it and now it has paid off’,” said a delighted Robbie. “I told everyone if this horse stayed he would win. When I was coming down the hill I said to Barry Geraghty if I stay I win.

“This fellow has loads of pace and I rode the race the way I would any bumper. To ride a winner for Mr Weld and Dr Lambe (owner) makes this all the better, they have been very good to me.”

On track to see the victory was Robbie’s father, Andrew, who is, of course, an uncle of John Thomas.

Commented McNamara Snr: “Watching John Thomas, who is constantly in our thoughts, it was always Robbie’s ambition to ride a winner at the Festival.”

Weld said: “He has had training problems and is a big weak horse. He has taken time and loves dry ground.

“The Grade 1 bumper at Punchestown is a possibility and, before you see him over hurdles, he is likely to run on the flat.”