Shantou Lucky grabs his opportunity

Second-reserve Shantou Lucky made the most of getting into the extended two mile handicap hurdle at Down Royal with a victory for Gavin Cromwell.

The four-year-old gelding was as big as 16/1 in the morning before he opened at 8/1 and was backed down to 9/2 on the off.

He disputed from two out and was ridden into the lead before the last where a good jump sealed the deal.

The Shantou gelding kept on well to score by a length and a quarter. Tullyveery Lad got up for second at 16/1, a head in front of Shantou Warrior (4/1f). Miraculum (also trained by Cromwell) completed the placings in fourth at 16/1.

Jockey Brien Kane said: "He's still backward and he is still only a baby, but his jumping is top-class to be fair to him. Probably mentally as well he will improve something serious just from today's run alone.

"I was left idle on my own for ages and he kept grinding it out even though he wanted company. He was very good.

"He's just progressing, he is just one of those horses waiting for the penny to drop with him. It is only beginning (to drop) now, so I would say he will have an alright career.

"His jumping is his strong point to be quite fair. That's what keeps him in the race, and you can put him anywhere, and he loves it."