Irish Stallion Farms EBF M´dn H´dle of €16,000.00 5-y-o plus 2m. 4f.

1st - €11,056.00, 2nd - €2,720.00, 3rd - €1,280.00, 4th - €800.00 27 Ran

Shakervilz showed sufficient improvement from his hurdling debut at Punchestown in the middle of February to take this tricky looking maiden and in doing so justified the support that saw him backed from 5/1 into 3/1 before being sent off at 100/30 second favourite.

The race saw 2/1 favourite Sandymount Earl pulled up after breaking a hind leg and he will be a sad loss to connections who could have expected a big run on this good to yielding ground which would have been right more up his street.

In pulling up Sandymount Earl brought wide Sorrentina who subsequently ran out and afterwards questions were raised about the lay out of the track with some suggesting the hurdle track is too close the chase track.

For the winner however the Fairyhouse and Punchestown festivals are now his targets with Willie Mullins afterwards remarking that he will be campaigned over ?two and a half miles if not further, as he looked like he would stay well on that performance.?

Shakervilz jumped well throughout just in behind the leaders and Ruby Walsh crept closer as the race developed and he went to the front two hurdles from home and despite the best efforts of the chasing Stewarts House and Rare Bob they could never look like getting their head in front.

Both that pair have had their fair share of chances to break their maiden tag and while they will both do so before long Stewarts House will probably be seen at his best over a fence while Rare Bob - who was filling third spot for a fourth consecutive occasion - may need to drop back to two and a quarter to find his ideal conditions.

Khazzar's rider Adrian Joyce reported to the stewards secretary that his saddled slipped and that is why he pulled up, Paddy Flood reported that Rushane Lodge was hanging and not jumping well and pulled up as he thought the horse was lame.

Paul Carberry reported of Waterside Inn that he never travelled and pulled up as he thought the horse was lame and Robbie Colgan who was aboard Sorrentina reported he received accidental interference and was carried out at the first hurdle past the finish line.