Jonathan Moore clings to eventual winner Shabra's Bertolini at the final flight© Photo Healy Racing
Shabra's Bertolini credited Anthony McCann with his first win in November and today was the rookie trainer's third, when landing the 2015 Navan Race Membership Club Ideal Christmas Present Handicap Hurdle at Navan today.
Ridden today by seven pounds claimer Jonathan Moore, 20 from Co Wexford, Shabra's Bertolini was clear when he seemed to reach for the final flight, almost unseating Moore who soon had the partnership on an even keel. The pair kept going to eventually hold off the challenge of Black Spot On by half a length.
McCann, who took over the license following the death of his predecessor at Shabra Stables Oliver Brady, later stated "Jonathan gave him a super ride, and he's one of the best up and coming 7lb claimers around at the moment. He only joined us three weeks before Oliver (Brady) passed away.
"Oliver always thought a lot of this horse, and said he wouldn't be a horse until he was five or six. He's still a bit weak, and we may give him a little break as I don't think he'll go on heavy ground.”
By Thomas Weekes, quotes from Alan Magee
