Shalaman proved popular enough in the offices this morning off an 84 day break for the concluding Crowne Plaza Leading Jockey & Trainer Championship Handicap. The Oratorio gelding duly brought up Chris Hayes' double at Dundalk, after his earlier success aboard Andy Oliver's Have A Great Day

Matthew Smith 's Shalaman, and eventual runner-up, outsider, Whipper's Boy both dwelt at the stalls, but the former came through from the back to lead at the furlong pole.

He then stayed on well in the final furlong and he was all out at the finish to hold on from the 'finishers,' Whipper's Boy and Cullentry Royal by a neck and a nose.

The brilliantly consistent favourite Sharjah had to make do with fourth on this occasion.

"I gave him a few weeks off and freshened him up. I was disappointed with him the last day but the time before that he ran well when he was third to Gretzky," said Smith.

"I'll have to check with the owner but I think the plan is to come back here in four weeks time for a fast track qualifier (for the Good Friday meeting at Lingfield)."

The Stewards requested a report from Matthew J. Smith, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of Shalaman, placed first, as compared with his recent form.

The trainer reported that his charge disappointed on his last start in November for no obvious reason. He added that the horse was given a break and freshened up since which appears to have helped the horse rediscover his form.

Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the explanation offered. (AM & EM)