Shaman keeps rivals at bay for Harrington and Foley

Jessica Harrington’s stable has been in great form right throughout the month of July, and she registered her first winner of the Galway festival when Tauran Shaman (6s into 7/2 fav on course), battled on well to land the Bet With The Tote At The Galway Races 3-y-o Handicap by a short head under Shane Foley.

The Shamardal colt, successful on his debut at Killarney only a fortnight previously, was headed a furlong out by Insane Bolt (10/1) but responded to pressure to just gain a narrow verdict over that one, with Cosmic Horizon (9/2) another length and-a-quarter away in third.

The front two came close to each other in the straight, but it was no surprise that the result stayed the same after a Stewards’ Enquiry.

Winning trainer Jessica Harrington said: “He is green but I’m delighted with him. I thought it was a bit steep to give him a rating of 90 after winning a maiden in Killarney.

“He’s a nice horse and hopefully he will progress again.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee