Shannon shows stamina aplenty in Punchestown opener Second on both previous starts this season, Shannon Royale deservedly made the breakthrough over fences in the opener at Punchestown, the Your Free Entry Sponsored By Tote Ireland Beginners Chase. Sent off a 2/1 chance, the Gordon Elliott-trained six-year-old led early under Jordan Gainford, before he was joined seven fences from the finish. Regaining a slender outright advantage before four out, the Robcour-owned six-year-old was ridden from the next and while soon strongly pressed and joined again, he kept finding for pressure, keeping on best away from the last to score by two-and-a-quarter lengths. Returned the 6/4 favourite (from 4/5 early), High Class Hero had to settle for second under Paul Townend for Willie Mullins, with his stable companion Loughglynn (9/2) a further 10-lengths away in third. "He's a grand, big, honest, galloping horse who stays well. He’s probably more of a handicapper than a Graded horse," Elliott remarked. "Jordan gave him a good ride and I'd say he wasn't doing a whole lot in front." Additional reporting by Alan Magee
