Sharestan provides Oxx with his first Lincolnshire On just his third career start the John Oxx trained Sharestan took the Irish Lincolnshire in convincing fashion under Johnny Murtagh at the odds of 3/1 favourite. Having won on his debut over the course and distance last June the 4yo colt then finished a slightly disappointing third when sent off the 5/4 favourite in a race over 1m 2f behind Flowers Of Spring and Steps to Freedom at Fairyhouse last July. The winning bay son of Shamardal chased the leaders early on but made nice progress into second over a furlong from home. He hit the front inside the final furlong and stayed on well from there to score by two and three parts of a length. The big gamble of the race Ansaab, who was backed from 14/1 into 7/1, got each-way money for his supporters as he finished second under Chris Hayes for Kevin Prendergast. The Tommy Stack trained Sikara under Shane Gray finished a further neck back in third at 6/1 while Stack also trained the fourth placed horse who was Parkers Mill at 12/1 under treble seeking jockey Wayne Lordan. Winning trainer John Oxx said afterwards: "He will be stepped up to Listed class next and will go for the Heritage Stakes at Leopardstown in three weeks' time. "He is still inexperience and a bit green. It’s hard to know his best trip until he sharpens up. "He goes on soft ground but it remains to be seen whether he goes on better ground. He has a bit of talent and hopefully we will see it this season." When asked whether he had won the Lincolnshire before Oxx added: "I have rarely had a 4yo to run in and it is my first win. It’s hard to win it with just two runs to your name."
