THE second year of the J.T. McNamara Series kicks off in Clonmel next Thursday, September 2nd with a two-mile flat handicap.

The series, which is for 7lb amateurs only, is comprised of eight races, including a bumper, a maiden hurdle, three handicap hurdles, a handicap chase and a hunter chase, as well as a flat race which has been newly added to the list.

“The Series was started by the QR Committee in order to help young amateurs get more rides and better rides on the track,” explained Lisa O’Neill.

“We were delighted with how last year went and it’s brilliant to be able to expand the series this year. We’d like to thank Shane Doyle from HRI, who has been a great help in organising it and Denise O’Neill of the IHRB too.”

Michael O’Sullivan won the inaugural running and received an engraved stick and an invitation to ride out in Willie Mullins’, Gordon Elliott’s and Colin Bowe’s along with a holiday voucher.

“He also will represent Ireland in races at Merano, Parduviche and Compiegne in the Gentleman’s League. Liam Gilligan was second, while Jody Townend finished third.

O'Sullivan said: “It was an honour to win the first running of the J.T. Series as John Thomas is a legend of the amateur sphere, a great point to point man and he was a gent also.

“It is a great initiative for amateurs like myself to gain more opportunities inside the rails and I was delighted to win it in J.T.’s name.”

Leading amateur Derek O’Connor added: “We were keen to remember J.T. He was a very talented rider who raised the bar to a high level for all amateurs with his professionalism and his exploits around the point-to-point fields and banks courses, of course.

“The series will help encourage young amateurs to stay riding and get them more opportunities.

“We’ll keep trying to improve the series over the next few seasons also.” While the series is unlikely to unearth another J.T., it should encourage others to follow his path.