Shumaker fends off Dakota Moirette

Shumaker outgunned Dakota Moirette at the end of an extended two mile three furlongs in the opening beginners' chase at Punchestown.

The pair duelled away at the head of affairs throughout the race but 13/8 favourite Ya Boy Ya looked to be a big player when he closed right up on them at the fourth last.

Shumaker led narrowly at the next and shifted slightly left as Dakota Moirette jumped left in second and badly hampered Ya Boy Ya who unseated James Kenny.

Dakota Moirette held a narrow advantage two out but jumped it untidily and Shumaker was driven was driven back on terms racing to the last.

They jumped it together, however, Shumaker got away from it the better and stayed on well to win by half a length at 84/40. Runner-up Dakota Moirette was a 9/2 chance.

"He's been great and he can do everything really,” said trainer Paul Traynor.

“We weren't sure coming here how he would handle the big fences but thank-God he jumped well and Darragh (O'Keeffe) knows him better than anyone.

“He said he jumped great and he's cute because when he's slightly wrong he can get himself out of trouble.

“We'll see what turns up for him now. There might not be much for him until the end of October or start of November.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson