Heartbreak City brings McNamara Ebor joy

HEARTBREAK City gave apprentice Adam McNamara the biggest success of his young career with a resounding triumph in the Betfred Ebor at York. Storming past Seamour, the 15-2 shot was soon in command and went on to win by four lengths.

Shrewd (12-1) stayed on well for second place, with trainer Tony Martin’s other runner, Quick Jack (10-1), a head away in third. Battersea (16-1) was fourth.

“It was a brilliant performance by the lad,” Martin said of McNamara. “Two down, Lester Piggott wouldn’t have been as good.”

McNamara said: “When I turned in I was tracking Seamour and when I got to the two-furlong pole I knew I was going to win. He travelled there brilliantly.

“I was looking up at the big screen but they weren’t showing the race so I panicked a bit. When I crossed the line it was such a relief.

“If there was one race I wanted to win, this is it. I was with Johnny Murtagh when Mutual Regard won it. It means so much to me.”

On future plans for his pair, Martin said: “Both ran in the Cesarewitch last year, so that’s an option, and they’ll both mix hurdling, races like the Greatwood.

“You don’t expect to win races like this, so when it comes off it’s great for the owners.”

Shrewd’s trainer Iain Jardine said: “He stayed on well from a long way back. We were unlucky with Nakeeta earlier in the week and have also been second in the Chester Cup – we’re getting closer to landing a big one. It’s great to be involved in these big races, but disappointing when you are second in them.”