Shanrod takes opener under patient Power

Robbie Power gave Shanrod a good waiting ride to land the opening Athlumney 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle and the win was well-received by the bookmakers as Michael Halford's charge was returned at 25/1.

The son of Bachelor Duke, making his debut over timber, had very few behind him with a circuit to race but he made eye-catching ground from before the straight.

He chased down the leader, Save My Blushes (made a mistake two out) to get on top close home, prevailing by one and a quarter lengths with the favourite, Sword Fish finding top stride too late, a further length and three parts back in third.

Halford said of the gelding, that he has for his long-standing patron, Paul Rooney: "That was a pleasant surprise. He disappointed me the last night in Dundalk but he had schooled well at home. I thought they went very fast for the ground and this fellow just could be alright.

"He'll go to Leopardstown at Christmas maybe for the Grade 1. He is a big scopey horse, jumped from hurdle to hurdle, and he did well to come from as far back as he did there."