Aon Sceal provides fairytale story

Dubliner Shane Crimin rode his first winner when Aon Sceal took the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle in fine style.

Crimin (19) gave an accomplished display on the Oliver McKiernan-trained 8/1 chance, leading three out and keeping on well in the straight to beat Respectueux (10/1) by five lengths. All Guns Blazing (16/1) was a further four and a half lengths back in third, with 4/1 favourite High Notes another head away in fourth.

A delighted Crimin said, “That's my first winner and it's my seventh ride on the track.”

Successful trainer Oliver McKiernan said, “He disappointed on soft ground over the winter, and I couldn't believe the change in him on good ground. He showed a lot of greenness when second at Ballinrobe earlier this year and then he kind of got away a bit at Cork last time. We knew he'd run well if we could get him to settle. He may go to Galway as he'd like the tight track, and could go for a handicap hurdle later in the week.”

The successful Redgap Partnership is made of McKiernan's three sons and his daughter.

Alan Magee