Shutter Island jumps the last in Roscommon© Photo Healy Racing
Shutter Island got favourite backers off to a flyer on Roscommon’s eight-race card as he scored in good style for Charles O’Brien and Mark Walsh in the two mile maiden hurdle for four-year-olds.
The well-backed 7/4 favourite (from 9/4 this morning) raced in third as Thefiddlerofduneen set the pace with a clear lead from Imperial Plan who in turn was clear of the pack.
Walsh, however, had them in his sights as he hunted Shutter Island round at the head of the chasing pack. At the fifth last Thefiddlerofduneen unseated Adrian Heskin which left Imperial Plan in the lead.
Shutter Island moved closer into contention and joined the leader at the third last. The pair were still locked together two out, but Shutter Island was travelling much the better.
After jumping the last ahead of his rival, Shutter Island and Walsh, in the JP McManus colours, powered away for a seven-lengths success. Reflet Ambre (5/1) came through to get second ahead of Imperial Plan (7/1).
Shutter Island’s last two appearances in maiden hurdles had seen him finish runner-up at Wexford and Navan.
