Galway the target for Shabra

One Cool Shabra made all to open his account on the level at Clonmel this evening.

The smart juvenile hurdler took up his customary front-running role in the first division of the two-mile handicap and had his rivals off the bridle running down the hill. Faranadooney tackled the leader at the two furlong marker but Oliver Brady's charge had more up his sleeve.

The 9/4 shot stuck on well for Sam James and asserted from over a furlong out to post a four-and-a-half length success over the 33/1 runner-up. Ghareer had proved the one for money, backed from 4/1 in the morning into 2/1 favourite, but could only finish third.

"This horse takes no training. He just canters around at home and is as tough as nails," said Brady after he had calmed down.

"I thought he was a certainty today. With the rating he has over hurdles compared to his rating on the Flat he was thrown in.

"The main aim now is the Galway Hurdle as long as the ground is suitable. He loved that ground today."

Gary Carson & Alan Magee