Lovely start for Shadow Eile over fences

Classy over hurdles and indeed twice a winner on the level too, Shadow Eile made a seamless transition to the chasing ranks when landing the Killarney Welcomes Bordeaux Mares Beginners Chase under Andrew McNamara.

Owned and bred by Sean Reilly, the Dot Love-trained 2/5 chance led two out before going on to easily beat Ashbury by seven lengths.

Love's assistant Ciaran Murphy said: "That's a good relief. I was concerned about the ground but in the earlier races when I heard them gallop by there seemed to be a sponge in it.

"Everything was in her favour today and it was a lucky starting-point.

"It was only a starting point though and we'll try to find another nice opportunity now.

"The two miles and one novice chase in Galway is an option.

"If she does half as well over fences as she did over hurdles we'll be happy.

"She won't be over-raced but we'll try to get her black-type over fences.

"Dot is in Malmo in Sweden where my twin brother Joseph is riding for Ireland in the European Eventing Championships." (TW & EM)