French Dynamite leads 1-2 for Eric McNamara in Boylesports Munster National
French Dynamite and Patrick O'Brien jump the last to win the Boylesports Munster National Handicap Steeplechase (Grade 3) at Limerick for trainer Eric McNamara. Pic: Healy Racing Photo
Popular local trainer Eric McNamara won the 2024 Boylesports JT McNamara Munster National with Real Steel and 12 months on he repeated the feat, this time doing so with French Dynamite, who led home stable companion Weveallbeencaught, in front of a fine crowd at Limerick track.
Young rider Patrick O’Brien was employed to take 5lbs off the back of the top weight and not alone did he do that, but he gave him a ride beyond his experience to land the winner’s prize of €59,000.
His mount, who had been far too keen for his own good when third in the Kerry National, crucially settled well in the early stages this time and it was only that he was in such good heart and jumping so well that he had to be restrained from time to time.
Having done that on numerous occasions through the race, O’Brien delivered him to mount his challenge early in the home straight and he first fought off the attention of Aspurofthemoment and Talk In The Park before finding plenty to deny the late rush of his stable companion, Weveallbeencaught.
“It’s marvellous to win the race, especially that it’s named after John Thomas, who was so close to all of us, and who rode so many point to point winners for me,” said McNamara.
“I’m over the moon. They’re two smashing horses, and two out-and-out three-mile chasers. Some people had doubts about French Dynamite staying but I didn’t think so. He stayed every yard of it today. Patrick gave him a super ride. He switched him off well. He was just too keen in Listowel and he didn’t get home, but he got home today alright.”
Talking of how and why he purchased this horse, formerly trained by Mouse Morris, he revealed: “I just thought he fitted the profile of Real Steel – they both had dropped a bit in the handicap, both were solid horses. We’ve been buying a lot of store horses over the years and so many of them don’t get to the track and so many of them don’t make the grade, I just went down a different line with these horses, and it has worked.”
Looking ahead, he added: “Maybe he could go for the Paddy Power next, but I’d like to think one of the two could turn up in an Aintree Grand National, especially French Dynamite. I wouldn’t be averse to aiming at it long-term.”
The winning rider, who is enjoying the best season of his young career, was understandably elated as he was given a great reception on return to the winner’s enclosure.
“It’s a great privilege to ride in a race like that, let alone win it, so I’m delighted,” said O’Brien. “I had a very smooth run around. The horses travelled for me, and jumped, and pulled me into every position I wanted to be in. It was very smooth sailing.
“I tried to get a lead to the last, or for as long as I could, and I was afraid I was there too soon, but the horse pulled out plenty and did it well. He was the class horse in the race, and it was an impressive effort to do it with a heavy weight on his back.
“It hasn’t sunk in yet but it’s definitely the biggest win of my career. I’m just thrilled and also thrilled for Eric.”
