Robbie McNamara begins training career with spectacular double

ROBBIE McNamara made a dream start to his new training career when enjoying a spectacular double at Cork Racecourse.

McNamara gained a win with his first runner before going on to finish the card with a brace in Mallow on Friday night.

McNamara’s brilliant career in the saddle was cut short by a fall at Wexford Racecourse in April 2015 which left him with no feeling in his legs.

Chadic was a first runner for the Croom jockey and the 12/1 shot won the 2m maiden hurdle by two lengths under conditional jockey Conor Brassil.

The landmark winner is owned by Dr Ronan Lambe, for whom McNamara rode many winners, including two notable successes at the 2014 Cheltenham Festival.

Robbie McNamara said: "He was a little bit clever and minded himself a small bit but has plenty ability and will improve from that.

"The two I fancied most are yet to come although Call Vinnie might struggle a small bit as he is up in trip.

"I fancied him and thought his price of 10/1 this morning was ridiculous - I thought he'd be six or seven to four.

"He works very well and was a 90 rated flat horse for a while - I'd say he just got a little sick of racing and wasn't in love with the game. The way he jumps he seems to mind himself a small bit but he schools very well at home.

"He could very easily go for the novice hurdle on the first day of Galway - that was the plan although I don't think Dermot Weld will be too happy!

"He could also go for the amateur handicap but we'll see how he comes out of this.

"I rode an awful lot of winners for Dr Lambe and before I got the fall he said he'd support me when I go training.

“I can't thank him enough and he has a lovely bunch of six horses in my yard - I have 19 in total and only four of those were ready to run."

The new trainer was back in the winner’s enclosure following the bumper after Rathcannon cruised home under claimer Finny Maguire.