Gutsy One Cool Shabra sees them off

One Cool Shabra (10/1) put in a game performance in deteriorating conditions at Fairyhouse to fend off all challengers and win the mile and a half handicap.

Ben Curtis made all in the familiar Rita Shah colours and the Oliver Brady-trained four-year-old responded to all his urgings on the rail to win by a diminishing three quarters of a length.

Leigh Roche drove Admiral Barry (14/1) up to challenge in the final furlong, but the post came too soon for them.

The front two fought out their battle 11 lengths in front of 9/1 shot Sheilas Wish in third.

Anthony McCann, assistant trainer to Oliver Brady, said: “He’s a battler and he blew up the last time in Listowel. He was let off for two weeks after Galway.

“Ben gave him a serious ride. The boss was watching at home and his instructions were to keep to the inside. He’ll probably go back hurdling now.”

(On course reporting by Alan Magee)