Cheekpieces work a treat on One Cool Shabra

The opening race of the week long Listowel Harvest Festival, the Dawn Omega Milk 3yo Hurdle, went to the Oliver Brady trained, Ger Fox ridden One Cool Shabra

Sent off at 7/1, the son of One Cool Cat had the advantage of two runs over hurdles before today. He finished eighth behind Burrenbridge Lodge in the first 3yo Hurdle of the year at Roscommon before running much better on his next start at Galway, finishing just over five lengths third to Sam Bass.

Fitted with cheekpieces for the first time today, the winner disputed the lead with High Destiny from the drop of the flag. He then took up the running at the fourth last and was clear entering the straight. He kept on well from there to record an easy twenty eight length success. The Quiet Hawk finished way back in second at 10/3 for Jessica Harrington, who had to settle for second this year having won the race for the last two years in succession.

The aforementioned High Destiny plugged on to finish third a further two and three parts of a length back at 10/1.

The 9/4 favourite Why But Why also trained by Jessica Harrington, could only manage a disappointing seventh, however he was hampered at the fourth hurdle.

Winning rider Ger Fox, who is twenty-two and from Ashbourne, Co Meath, said afterwards: "I was with Jessica Harrington for two years and I moved to Oliver Brady's just four weeks ago.

"That is my second winner on the track and my first as a professional. I won on Quarryfield Lass for Homer Scott in Limerick last year. That was my ninth ride for Oliver."

Donal Murphy