Shay shines on hurdling debut

Three-time bumper winner Tornedo Shay got off the mark in great style over hurdles in the Bennettsbridge Maiden Hurdle at Gowran Park.

Davy Russell went for a gap on the inside after the second last on the 9/4 favourite and he squeezed into the lead before the final flight.

The son of Dr Fong quickened up impressively on the run-in to settle matters and could afford to ease down close home for a three-and-a-half length victory over Johnny McGeeney

Trainer Thomond O'Mara holds the five-year-old in high regard but is in no rush with his charge:-

"He needed to do it like that. Essentially he's a very good jumper but he's still a bit novicey and we'll try and improve on that.

"We won't over-face him for the time being. He should be good enough to step up to graded races after Christmas."

The winners' comeback run on the level at Sligo proved disappointing and O'Mara added:-

"He fell out of the stalls then and couldn't handle the track."