FULLBACK WINS KERRY NATIONAL

Eric McNamara enjoyed a day to remember as Faltering Fullback led home a one-two for the trainer in the Guinness Kerry National at Listowel.

Whodoyouthink was still well clear when crumpling and falling after the fourth last, which allowed a select group including Faltering Fullback to kick clear.

Jumping well for Danny Mullins, the 33-1 chance came home five and a half lengths in front of stablemate Questions Answered, with Start Me Up third and Jamsie Hall fourth.

Faltering Fullback was the second reserve this morning and only got the nod when two above him came out, so punters who backed Questions Answered before the opening show and Faltering Fullback were in the money.

BetVictor spokesman Charlie McCann said: “We ignore reserves (although punters can back the horse SP) for early prices in Irish racing.

” Thus we paid out on Faltering Fullback on the show and Questions Answered and Faltering Fullback (33/1) as winners ahead of the opening show.”

McNamara was delighted with his duo in front but also reserved praise for his grand old stager Ponmeoath.
McNamara said: “Before the race I thought Questions Answered had a really good chance and I really fancied him. He ran a fabulous race to finish second.

“That was a bit out of the blue in fairness and Faltering Fullback came back to what he once promised.
“He won a novice chase here before and was a very good horse but just lost his way. The three miles and bottom weight just helped him and he came back to form at the right time.

“It’s been a great race for me. We won it twice with Ponmeoath and he was back today.

“This is his sixth run in the Kerry National and his ninth year to run here which is a great achievement. He didn’t run a bad race (in eighth).”