Shamkhal prevails despite market drift

The opening race of the three day Killarney May Festival, the Killarney Towers Maiden Hurdle for 4yo's only, went to the Tony Martin trained Shamkhal under Ruby Walsh.

The son of Tiger Hill opened this morning at 3/1 and was backed into 9/4 however he drifted on track from his opening show of 11/4 out to his starting price of 5/1.

Given a patient ride by Walsh, he came with his challenge at the last and jumped it virtually together with Bulgaden (11/4fav) and Faustina Pius (25/1).

Faustina Pius, made a mistake at the last and her rider Brian Hayes lost an iron on the run-in while the winner stayed on best away from the last to get up close home by a neck.

Bulgaden plugged on to take second under Niall Madden for Austin Leahy while Faustina Pius was a short head behind in third for John Queally.

Previously trained in France by Alain de Royer-Dupre (where he was 0/6 on the flat), he was bought for €20,000 at the Arqana Deauville Autumn Mixed Sale in November of last year by current connections.

The French bred gelding was having his fourth start over hurdles this afternoon and had a spin on the level last time out at the Curragh last month.

Winning trainer Tony Martin said afterwards: "That is great for Danny Houlihan (member of the winning owners the Lyreen Syndicate).

"He is a great supporter of the game, one of the sound fellows. He has had plenty of horses over the years (Lyreen Wonder in the past and currently Lyreen Legend).

"Hopefully he will build on today’s win and do all jobs down the line. We have no immediate plans for him now."

Donal Murphy & Thomas Weekes