Shantou Sisu© Photo Healy Racing
Danny Mullins completed a first and last race double on student day at Sligo when eleven-year-old Shantou Sisu (4/1) was a fortuitous winner of the staying handicap chase over the best part of three and a quarter miles.
Trained in Coolrain Co Laois by Billy Lanigan, the winner was prominent throughout and was left in the lead by the fall of The Red Menace four out. Joined by He Fitz In entering the home straight, the veteran looked booked for second spot when headed by that rival over the last but the latter landed steeply and came down to leave Shantou Sisu back in front and clear of the remainder. Fifteen lengths was his margin of victory over Father Jed
Owned by Hugh Laing, Shantou Sisu was winning for the fourth time and Mullins said: "He's a great servant and they're there to be jumped. I maybe didn't plan to be in front but I wanted to ensure a strong pace and test everyone's jumping. I knew that was going to be an asset to me and thankfully it worked out."
Lanigan added: "He's a very good horse in his own class and Danny's ridden him four winners for us. We need a rub of the green an odd time!"
