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Gary Carson

Gary Carson

Shortall shines on Pires

Fri 29th Aug 2014, 18:13

Pires gives chase to Theatre MillPires gives chase to Theatre Mill
© Photo Healy Racing

Shane Shortall timed his run to perfection on Pires when claiming the Kerry Foods Rated Hurdle at Down Royal.

The Tony Martin-trained gelding was held up in the two-mile conditions event before being produced to challenge at the final flight.

He quickened up to lead on the run-in and post a two-and-a-quarter length winning margin over Theatre Mill

The 7/4 favourite was narrowly beaten over fences at Galway on his last outing and was registering his ninth career victory today.

"I rode him with loads of confidence as he was the class horse,” revealed Shortall afterwards.

“He always travelled very well. The gap closed on the inner before two out so I switched him out. I got a great jump at the last. He won here in 2012 and he enjoys it here."

Martin added: "He loves that sort of ground. He was rated to win the race with Shane's claim on top. At this stage of his life he seems to like a bit of room. He'll potter away on the flat, over hurdles and chases."

(Additional reporting by Michael Graham)

About Gary Carson
Gary started out as a trainee/assistant journalist with the Sporting Life newspaper and has worked in the racing industry for over 25 years. He has been with the Press Association since 2013 and won the Irish Field Nap Table in 2016. He enjoys working with horses and trained his own horse, Mamaslittlestar, to win a point-to-point in 2019.