O'Shea opens account in dramatic fashion

Shinahwil provided young Cloyne trainer Denise O’Shea with her first winner following a dramatic finish to the Leugh Handicap Hurdle at Thurles.

Katie O’Farrell appeared to have produced Strain Of Fame with a winning run on the far rail approaching the final flight but the gelding dived at the hurdle and hit the deck.

This left Fellow Indian in front but Shinahwil came home strongest between horses, getting up in the closing stages for Jonny Burke.

The 12/1 chance scored by a length, with Stop Road Lad another three and a half lengths back in third.

Miss O’Shea said, “I got the licence in May having worked for Andrew Lee and also James Motherway. I have seven in training, a mix of young ones and point-to-pointers.

“She is not over big but is tough and honest. She’d a lot of problems coming to me and I’m delighted for the owner Patsy McKiernan from Dublin.

“Jonathan gave her a fantastic ride, and she might go to Down Royal next Friday for another 2m6f hurdle.”

(TW & AM)