Shelford is driven out by Johnny Murtagh© Photo Healy Racing
The well supported 15/8 favourite Shelford took the 'JAPE' Maiden on his second career start for his trainer John Oxx with Johnny Murtagh in the saddle (recording a cross-card double having earlier score aboard Ferryview Place at Dundalk) .
Having opened this morning at 9/2, the 3yo son of Galileo opened on course at just 2/1 before being returned the 15/8 favourite.
After racing in third for much of the contest he was ridden approaching the turn for home and he disputed the lead in the early straight with Dougal Philps
He got the better of that rival to hit the front inside the final furlong and he kept on well from there to score by three and a quarter lengths at the line.
The Willie Mullins trained, Pat Smullen ridden Dougal Philps plugged on to take second at 4/1 while Buckingham Gate was a further three parts of a length back in third under Joseph O’Brien for his father Aidan.
The winner had finished third on his debut over the course and distance last month over seven lengths behind the Dermot Weld trained Show Court.
Winning rider Johnny Murtagh said afterwards: "The owner Mr Williams (Mr Lloyd Williams) has been waiting a while to get a winner so I’m glad he is off the mark.
"The horse is after improving from his first start.”
(On-course reporting by Gary Carson)
