Shanahan the King at Wexford

Pat Shanahan recorded his fifth win as a trainer and his third at Wexford as he took the Pinnacle Handicap with King Of The Picts

The 3yo son of Rock Of Gibraltar was having fourth career start today and his first in handicap company.

The David Wachman trained Circumstances kicked for home four furlongs out and went clear under Colm O’Donoghue.

Her lead was reduced a furlong and a half from home as the winner, Much Acclaimed and Buy Back Bob chased her down.

King Of The Picts then stayed on best from there under Ronan Whelan to score by a neck at the line from the staying on Much Acclaimed in second under Pierce Gallagher at 13/2. Hail was sent off the 5/2 favourite for double seeking Joseph and Aidan O’Brien but he didn’t seem to enjoy the ground and finished a disappointing sixth.

Pat Shanahan said afterwards: "He is a grand genuine horse. He was fourth in two Leopardstown maidens.

"I wasn't sure the handicapper was right giving him a mark of 74 but he was proved right.

"He is in the sales at Newmarket but I hope he won’t be sold. He will make a nice jumping horse and he loves a cut in the ground.

"I will run him again before the sales and try and get another bracket for him."