Shanning easily lands the odds in day four opener

Shanning led home a 1-2 for champion trainer Willie Mullins when readily landing the odds in the opening Abode Living Irish EBF Mares Hurdle on day four of the July Festival at Killarney.

The six-year-old mare was well-supported on track from 8/13 into 1/2 and cruised past the front-running Pravalaguna at the penultimate flight.

David Mullins’ mount met the last wrong but kept on strongly on the run-in to beat Pravalaguna by an easy five and a half lengths. Havingagoodtime was a further 12 lengths back in third. Just four went to post in the absence of Carrie Des Champs (stone bruise).

David Mullins said, “She jumped great and travelled well. I winged the third last and second last to put the race to bed nicely.

“She’s done it easy enough and in plenty of time for Galway if they want to go there. She ran over 2m6f there last year when she was a bit keen. She’s a year older now and will probably get that trip.

“She’s straight forward and you can do anything you want with her.

“I broke my collarbone at Punchestown for the third time, and got back riding two weeks ago.”