The opening Sycamore Lodge Equine Hospital Maiden at The Curragh this evening went to the John Oxx trained newcomer Sharestan under Johnny Murtagh.

The son of Shamardal was backed from an early price of 5/2 into 11/10 favourite and battled well to lead inside the final furlong for a comfortable win over Opa Loca

Afterwards Oxx stated “Sharestan did well to win as he wasn’t in a great position with other horses around him. However he will have learned plenty from that.”

“We always liked him and while he was ready to run last year, he got an injury which held him up. There’s a 1m2f race at Fairyhouse in two weeks time for him now.”

Thomas Weekes