Shona wins again & now has Gowran in her sights

Shona Mea recorded her second win from her last three starts, as she claimed the TRM Excellence In Nutrition Handicap.

A winner on her first start in handicap company at Gowran last month, the daughter of Dragon Pulse since finished second to Hisnameis Mrdevitt at Limerick.

Sent off the 3/1 favourite this afternoon, the Jessica Harrington trained bay was settled behind the leaders by Shane Foley and was pushed along in third as they entered the straight.

She swept to the front over a furlong from home and kept on well from there to score by two and a quarter lengths in the colours of owner Pat Harty.

Recent Dundalk winner Miss Cunning (14/1) filled the runner-up spot under Scott McCullagh (a rider change) for Kevin Prendergast, while Sin E Shekells (18/1) and Take My Hand (4/1) were third and fourth respectively.

Kate Harrington said afterwards: "You would have to be delighted with her. She was just collared close home at Limerick the last day but has won two now.

"She's owned by Pat and Bridie Harty, and that will be a nice tonic for Bridie who is not too well at the moment.

"She's declared for Gowran on Saturday and I'd say all being well she'll take her chance as she's probably going to be out of this handicap bracket in future."

Additional reporting by Alan Magee