Shadow Rider lands Wexford feature for Roche & Kelly

Despite an indifferent round of jumping, the 11/10 favourite Shadow Rider landed the featured veterans' handicap chase under Aidan Kelly.

The Martaline gelding went in pursuit of the front-running Cavalry Master after the last and Kelly managed to smuggle him through a tight gap between the leader and the far rail to lead close home for a neck success.

Less than two lengths covered the first five home.

Formerly with Willie Mullins, Shadow Rider is trained by Padraig Roche for JP McManus and was a winner over hurdles at Fairyhouse in February. 

“Aidan said he was a bit sticky and he gave him a great ride in fairness to him,” said Roche.

“He gave him a great hunt around and his bit of class got him home after all his errors.

“He's a lovely horse to have and it looked like an ideal opportunity for him.

“He's already won one this year and been touched off in a Listed hurdle so he had a good oul year.

“That's probably as quick as he wants the ground. I'll talk to Frank and JP and see what they say but for a ten-year-old he's had a good year.”

Quotes from Gary Carson