Thornton's Shanroe continues his progression on the level

The 3/1 favourite Shanroe was a game winner of the Sky Bet Race To The Ebor Handicap.

Robbie Colgan sat handy on the talented dual-purpose performer and moved into third entering the home straight.

Soon vying for the lead, Shanroe was headed two furlongs out by the strong-travelling Pondus (4/1) but Colgan’s mount battled back well in the final furlong to outstay that one by three quarters of a length.

A three-time bumper and dual hurdles winner, the Brian Smyth-owned gelding is now three from five on the Flat.

Winning trainer Karl Thornton said: “We brought him over to England (for the Swinton Handicap Hurdle at Haydock) but he didn’t travel well and we knew our fate well before the race as he didn’t eat and didn’t drink.

“The travelling left its mark and I was in two minds whether to run him or not here. Robbie rode him last Thursday and said he was fine.

“He must be a very good horse as Robbie said he was behind the bridle today but he battled really well. He said the ground was as quick as he’d want it.

“He’s in Listowel on Sunday but I wouldn’t think he will go.

“He won three bumpers in England but he got a fall over hurdles in Catterick and maybe that was just on his mind when he travelled the last day.

“The money in the Ebor is very tempting and maybe we could fly him over!”

Quotes from Alan Magee