Imperial performance from Shabra

“I don’t think there is a hardier horse in Ireland” was trainer Oliver Brady’s tribute after Imperial Shabra made all to take the featured Seamus Mulvaney Crockafotha Handicap Hurdle in great style.

The durable nine-year-old was making his 88th start and recording his sixth career victory as Ryan Treacy blazed a trail here in the two and a half mile event.

The 6/1 chance, owned by Brady’s principal patron Rita Shah, shrugged off a number of challengers in the straight, and proved much too strong for 7/2 favourite Usuel Smurfer from the last to score by two and a quarter lengths. Whatever It Takes (14/1) was a further seven and a half lengths away in third.

“I don’t think there is a hardier horse in Ireland, and he’s a great money spinner. He’ll head to Galway and we’ll find something for him there,” said Brady, who celebrated his 74th birthday yesterday.