Shawaamekh scores on first start for Levins

Shawaamekh got on top late on to give Donagh O'Connor a double on the card at Cork this evening.

The 23 runners in the seven-furlong handicap were spread right across the track in the closing stages.

The Johnny Levins-trained Shawaamekh was prominent throughout on the near side but looked to have a couple of lengths to find with his rivals on the far side passing the furlong pole.

He grabbed Numoor in the closing stages however to record a three-parts-of-a-length success.

The runner-up was subsequently disqualified after his rider Cillian McConnell weighed in 1.2lb light. Pallasmore Lass was promoted to second.

The 28/1 winner was making his first start for Levins, the eight-year-old had won three times in England for Declan Carroll.

"I got him on the recommendation of Declan Carroll and David Nolan (jockey) as his owner was replacing him with yearlings and thankfully he gave me a call and I've loved him since the day he came in the yard,” said Levins.

"He is a lovely big strong brute of a horse and ran well in all his races for Declan last year when he had a few unlucky stories. Declan rang this morning and gave Donagh the instructions so I had no real part in it!

"I'd love to find something in York for him if he continues to go the right way as he has run well there in the past.

"There is a good bunch of lads involved, Ross Howard, John O'Riordan, Tom Lynch and Jason McGannon so I'm delighted to get a winner for them."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)