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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Shanning starts her Irish career with a win

Tue 22nd Aug 2017, 17:50

Shanning clears the last in SligoShanning clears the last in Sligo
© Photo Healy Racing

Shanning justified long-odds-on favouritism on her Irish debut in the two mile maiden hurdle at Sligo.

The French import, who won her sole start on the Flat in her homeland, was settled in fourth by Ruby Walsh in the Supreme Horse Racing Club colours.

The 1/3 favourite closed into third at the second last and was pushed along to lead approaching the home bend.

Walsh kept the four-year-old up to her work on the run-in to fend off Amarillo Rose (13/2) by a length and a quarter for Willie Mullins.

Ruby Walsh said: "It's only yielding out there. I'd say it's all draining into the car-park.

“I'm very surprised at how dry it is. The old Sligo would have been a bog but this Sligo isn't a bog anymore, which is great. They may buy a watering system now!

“She was professional and jumped well. It was a slowly run race and she's a mile-and-a-quarter filly so she had the speed to win.

“I was happy with her. I'll have a chat with Willie and see what the plan is.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

About Michael Graham
Michael has worked in horse racing journalism for more than 15 years, having also written a weekly betting column on Gaelic football and hurling for a newspaper. He is involved in writing the My Racing Story features on this website. He spent a year in South Africa completing a Diploma in Business Administration and also studied Newspaper Journalism in Belfast. He enjoys playing 5-a-side football on a regular basis.