Shanacoole (Darragh O'Keeffe) leads over the last© Photo Healy Racing
Shanacoole winner of two point-to-points back in 2019, rewarded the patience of connections when taking the Download The BoyleSports App Handicap Hurdle at Wexford.
Trained by Roger McGrath for Elizabeth Motherway, the eight-year-old gelding attracted support at 20/1 earlier in the day and was sent off a 12/1 shot for this 2m4f event.
Darragh O’Keeffe’s mount led approaching the straight and, having edged left across Emma Prada before the last, held the renewed effort of the latter by a diminishing half-a-length.
The places were confirmed following a stewards enquiry.
McGrath said, “He’s a grand horse and won two point-to-points. He had a setback and was off for a while and his first few runs (over hurdles) his jumping wasn’t sharp enough.
“His jumping was more fluent today and he got a more prominent position. The longer trip helped and there will be some fun to be had with him over fences.
“He’s bred by the owners, the Motherways. They’ve had to be very patient with him and hopefully we’ll pick up a few more with him.”
