Tramore 17 8 23 Willywampus and Paddy O Hanlon win the O Neills Bar Beginners Steeplechase Healy Racing © Photo Healy Racing
Willywampus provided Killarney based trainer Eamon Courtney with his second winner since taking out a licence when running out a gallant all the way winner of the O'Neill's Bar Beginners Chase at Tramore.
The six-year-old set out to make all the running but had company in the form of Will You Win in the early stages of the contest. However, a bad mistake at the fifth fence saw the Oliver McKiernan trained mare exit the race.
Paddy O'Hanlon was left alone out in front on the Zoffany gelding but as he got into a good rhythm on the Mrs Valerie Courtney owned horse, he never had too many anxious moments.
The remainder, headed by Gali Flight made slight inroads into his lead going out on the final circuit but O'Hanlon was merely giving his mount a breather, kicking clear again from the third last to run out a very easy 16 length winner.
Eamon Courtney: "He is a front runner and we just thought Tramore would suit him. We are delighted because my wife Valerie is from Co Kilkenny originally and this would be her home track.
"We bought him from Donal Commins and he had done a great job with him. Donal was just unlucky with him and had all the groundwork done before we got him. Credit must go to Donal.
"He is a very honest horse and Paddy gave him a fantastic ride, he is a smashing jockey and I couldn't be happier.
"We have around 20 in at the moment, some of them might go the point-to-point route. I took out the full licence this year. I had a winner on the restricted licence a couple of years ago but this is my first winner with the full one.
"Obviously it's a team effort and I have great lads and girls riding out at home. Philip O'Brien (Killarney Racecourse manager) comes up in the mornings as he has a few horses in the yard. He gives me a bit of advice as well."
Additional reporting by Donal Murphy
