Shamiran wins his third Martinstown Final

Course specialist Shamiran bridged a year-long gap since his last success when gaining a remarkable third win in the Martinstown Opportunity Series Final Hurdle at Punchestown today, scoring for trainer Dermot McLoughlin and jockey Niall Kelly.

Kelly, who is based with Champion Trainer Willie Mullins, had the eleven year old racing prominently throughout and in the end, the gelding stayed on gamely to hold off the challenge of Go Darsi Go

Winning trainer Dermot McLoughlin has enjoyed Graded handicap wins with Vics Canvas in the past but having seen that horse finish third in the recent Aintree Grand National, is enjoying a breakthrough season at present, scoring his 11th success this term.

Sharmiran was today winning his fifth race and his fourth at the Co Kildare venue and McLoughlin, whose yard he joined last winter, later stated “he obviously loves it around here and the ground is the key to him, as he wasn't able to handle it over the winter.

"He enjoyed himself, travelled and jumped well. Once he has that ground he can mix it between hurdles and fences."

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Alan Magee