Double for Blackmore as Sixshooter maintains unbeaten record

Sixshooter completed a treble on the card for owners Gigginstown House Stud and a double for Rachael Blackmore, as he maintained his unbeaten record in the Ladbrokes Home Of The Odds Boost Maiden Hurdle.

Successful in two bumpers last season, the Noel Meade trained son of Well Chosen was expected to make the perfect start to his hurdling career this afternoon, going off the even money favourite.

Having raced mainly in second, the chestnut victor was sent to the front on the approach to the last and while he was soon pressed by You Raised Me Up he kept on best under pressure on the run-in, going on to prevail by a length and a quarter.

The runner-up, who was returned at 9/4 under Mark Walsh, made some slight jumping errors which didn't help his cause.

The first two were four and half lengths ahead of the front-running Shanwalla (7/1) who had to settle for third.

"It was very pleasing and she (Rachael Blackmore) said he was awful green. She said it was hard to believe he had won two bumpers because he's so green," said Meade.

"She said when he really learns how to do it he'll be quite good.

"Everything the mare (Lobinstown Girl) has produced has won.

"I suppose we'll be going for a novice hurdle over two-and-a-quarter or two-and-a-half miles. I'll have to see where he slots in.

"It's nice that he kept his unbeaten record in tact and it would be nice if he could do that again. Obviously we're hoping he'll be real good but we'll have to see.

"He wasn't drilled for that and I expect him to improve a good bit.

"I don't think soft ground will bother him, his wind is good and he's pretty straight-forward.

"I wouldn't be afraid of going to two miles either, I think he has the pace, but I'm happy enough to stay at two-and-a-half with him at the moment.

"I think the three miles race can empty them out and he's only four."

On Sean Flanagan, who was injured at Downpatrick on Friday, Meade added: "He has to wait the seven days before he can take the concussion test. If he passes that he can come back straight away but if not he's out for 21 days.

"The last time I spoke to him he was okay but a bit sore. Hopefully he can pass the test at the weekend."

Gigginstown House Stud and Rachael Blackmore combined for an earlier success with Notebook while the powerful owners were also on the mark with Coko Beach

Additional reporting by Gary Carson