Shadagann and Paul Townend pictured on their way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
Three time flat winner Shadagann stayed on best to claim the Casey Enterprises Supporting Wexford Camogie Rated Hurdle.
The Mick Halford trained seven-year-old is better known for his exploits on the level, but he did get off the mark over flights at Sligo in August of 2015.
Having his first start over hurdles today since June of last year, the son of Invincible Spirit was sent off at 8/1 under Paul Townend.
Settled off the pace, he was fourth jumping three out, but closed before the next, and was pushed along to lead after that flight.
He was ridden after the last and kept on well to see off the effort of Jamie Sommers (25/1 this morning and returned 9's from 11's) by a length and a half.
The 11/10 favourite Stars Over The Sea lost considerable ground at the start, and he could only manage a disappointing third under Dylan Robinson for Henry De Bromhead.
Paul Townend said afterwards: "He is a classy auld horse, he probably just needs to get his confidence back a bit. He is rated in the high 80's on the flat, and I think he will stay further. I think jumping hurdles now will change his mind."
STEWARDS REPORT
The Stewards received a report from P.F. Graffin, Turf Club Starter, that "Stars Over The Sea (USA)" showed reluctance to line up with the other runners. Dylan Robinson, rider, reported that in his opinion his mount shied away from the loudspeakers near the start.
