Russell: He did what I wanted to do, but just did it better

A star is born: the talented young rider makes a name for himself at the 2002 Cheltenham Festival with a brilliant performance in the saddle to win the National Hunt Chase on the notoriously tricky Rith Dubh (right)Credit: Mark Cranham

It was JT McNamara at his most magical. Sitting, waiting, watching, pouncing.

Rith Dubh, winner of the National Hunt Chase in 2002, was not fond of being in front and McNamara knew that only too well, so he waited until the last possible moment to poke his big white face ahead of Timbera.

It was timed to perfection and we were all in awe of the brilliance of it, but what was it like to be on the losing side?

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David JenningsDeputy Ireland editor

Published on 26 July 2016inObituaries

Last updated 12:08, 27 July 2016

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