Trainer Open Morning

The Listowel Festival holds a special place in Eric McNamara’s heart and punters will be able to gain a special glimpse at this year’s contenders at the trainer’s open morning on August 27, writes Paul Martin.

McNamara has won three Kerry Nationals during his near four decades running the Rathkeale yard, the most recent coming a decade ago when Faltering Fullback followed on from Ponmeoath’s back-to-back successes in 2007 and 2008.

The handler has three potential runners in this year’s renewal, which takes place on September 21, including Donkey Years – who provided the yard with a Punchestown Festival victory in April.

“It’s the biggest winner we’ve had this year, hopefully he’s a horse who will keep improving going forward,” he said.

“He’s been aimed at the Kerry National if he makes the cut. It’s a race we’ve won three times in the past, so it’s one that’s close to our hearts.

“We are looking forward to one, two or hopefully all three of our horses making it in – we think they could be lively outsiders.

“It’s always a special week. It’s been a lucky course for us, it’s local as well, about 40 minutes away, and it’s a marvellous festival.

“There’ll be huge crowds there and it’s great to see the crowds back at racing. We have been quiet during the summer but we’re optimistic we have a few nice horses for the season ahead.”

The upcoming open morning will be the first of its kind for McNamara, who will use the day to allow the local community in Limerick to see a selection of his horses on the gallops as well as benefiting from behind-the-scenes access.

“We want people to bring their family and friends, it’s for absolutely everyone,” he said.

“People who have never seen a horse, who don’t have an interest in horses, who do have an interest, it’s a chance to see how things work at a trainer’s yard.

“We’ll have a few horses ready from September onwards for Listowel, then we have a few in mind with the winter months coming up. On the morning itself, we’ll make certain horses available.

“We’ve sent out a lot of invites and we’ve had a huge response, with a lot of people saying they’re going to come.

“I’d say we’ll have around 150 people at least, maybe pushing 200.”
To sign up for attendance at Eric McNamara’s open morning, click here.