Reserve Shan just gets the better of Hall

Second reserve Shan Dun Na Ngall just got the better of Konig Hall in the Simplyfruit Handicap Hurdle.

Formerly trained on the level by John Murphy, the five-year-old son of Shantou joined Gordon Elliott in December.

He was well-beaten on three starts in maiden company and making his handicap debut today he was sent off at 12/1 under Kevin Sexton.

Given reminders after the first he was settled towards rear, making progress into mid-division after five out.

He came with his challenge on the outer from the second last and he had a good battle with Konig Hall from before the final flight, getting on top close home to win by a neck.

Konig Hall was returned at 16/1 (from 20's) under Danny Mullins for Mervyn Torrens, while L'attesa (8/1) was in half a length back in third under Ian McCarthy for Shane Nolan.

The front three were twelve lengths clear of Deputy Consort who finished fourth at 33/1. Fighting Days was sent off the 4/1 favourite (from 15/2 last night and from 5's on-course) and he finished a disappointing fourteenth under Andrew Lynch for Fran Flood.

Gordon Elliott said afterwards: "I'd say a step up in trip would be better. He'll pay his way and he is well handicapped on the flat. He's a summer horse.

"We'll have a bit of craic with him, he could go to Perth. There are 20 in the syndicate (the Twenty Times Two Syndicate) and they are from everywhere!"

Additional reporting by Michael Graham