Tauran Shaman regains the winning thread

Tauran Shaman had proved expensive to follow since successful on his opening two starts in 2019 but got it all together when landing the Ballinteer Handicap at Leopardstown this afternoon.

The five-year-old gelding was badly hampered when heavily supported at the Curragh last month but those who stayed loyal were rewarded here.

The 9/2 chance quickened up well in the straight for Shane Foley, leading about 100 yards out before holding off the persistent challenge of Mosala by a neck.

Eagle’s Flight was a further length and three quarters away in third.

Winning trainer Jessica Harrington said, “He was unlucky last time at the Curragh and was also unlucky at Galway last year.

“He’s usually run over a mile but went up to a mile and a quarter today. I suppose the plan will be to go back for one of the big handicaps in Galway with him.

“He does like a bit of safe ground and is not great on good to firm ground. He saw out that trip well as he was drawn out wide.”