Four McManus runners in Dan Moore Chase
Nearly Nama’d, a recent course and distance winner for trainer Sandra Hughes, is sure to be among the leading fancies for the Underwriting Exchange Dan Moore Memorial Handicap Chase at Fairyhouse on Sunday 10th January next.
Nearly Nama’d has been allotted 10st 2lbs in the €100,000 event, the same weight as the Edward Harty-trained Minella Foru who finished runner-up to Sandra Hughes’ gelding at the course in late November. Both horses are owned by JP McManus who could also be represented by the Philip Dempsey-trained Jacksonslady and Noel Meade’s Killer Miller who would be carrying 10st 5lbs in his first handicap chase. Meade won the race with Strong Run in 2002.
Willie Mullins has a fine record in the race and he is responsible for four of the 19 entries as he bids to add to the wins of Micko’s Dream in 2001, Killultagh Storm in 2003, Livingstonebramble in 2006, Golden Silver in 2010 and Turban two years ago. Blood Cotil has not raced since winning at the Punchestown festival in early May and he would carry 11st 7lbs while previous winner Turban has been given 11st 4lbs, the same weight as Mozoltov. A little further down the handicap is Tennis Cap on 10st 8lbs.
The ‘Shark’ Hanlon-trained Hidden Cyclone has been handed top-weight of 11st 10lbs while Clarcam, a dual Grade 1 winner over fences, is another on 11st 7lbs while Bright New Dawn, also trained by Gordon Elliott, is in on 11st 2lbs.
Peter Roe, general manager of Fairyhouse Racecourse, said: “The Underwriting Exchange Chase is one of the highlights of the January National hunt season and once again the quality of the entries suggests it will be a race not to be missed. The Sandra Hughes Nearly Nama’d will bid to follow up his course and distance win in the Easyfix Chase at the Winter festival”.
Adrian Butler of The Underwriting Exchange, said: “Here at The Underwriting Exchange we are delighted to continue our association with such a prestigious race. This is our third year to sponsor the race and this coupled with our sponsorship of a race at the Fairyhouse Winter festival and also our support of the Gordon Elliott yard shows our enthusiasm and commitment to National Hunt racing in Ireland”.