Michael Graham
Shantalla makes it two wins in three days
Shantalla, red, comes home first in Ballinrobe
© Photo Healy Racing
Shantalla was another horse to avail of good fortune at Ballinrobe. Noel Meade's Pat Garrett made all under Ger Fox and looked full of running before falling at the second last when five lengths clear and giving Shantalla his winning opportunity.
Brian Cawley looked booked for a place at best on board the nine-year-old in the featured two mile six handicap chase before his rival's troubles. However, despite a slow jump at the last when left in the lead, the pair held on for a half length win to cheer punters in the ‘lucky’ last who had supported the 11/4 favourite. Close Review lived up to his name as he kept on nicely at 11/1 for second, with Debt To Society getting third-placed money. The latter was popular in the betting ring, backed down to 3/1 from 9/2.
Donal Hassett’s Shantalla was following up on his success in Listowel on Saturday in a three mile handicap chase. He carried the mandatory 4lb penalty for that.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes