Shanahan's Turn and Jonathan Burke © Photo Healy Racing
Shanahan's Turn looked a smart novice chaser in the making when winning first time over fences in the two-and-a-half mile beginners at Punchestown.
Henry de Bromhead's charge, in the famous Potts colours, disputed early before going on at the sixth fence. Wounded Warrior attempted to throw down a challenge going to the final fence but Jonathan Burke only had to shake up the 9/10 favourite to assert.
He was well on top in the closing stages, easing down at the line to record a three-and-three-quarter length verdict.
The winner was far from disgraced in Grade 1 company over timber at Punchestown back in April and the ex-pointer always looked one likely to do better over fences.
“He had a nice season hurdling but he always looked like a chaser and today was a big day for him,” said de Bromhead. “He jumped great and did it nicely.
"Good to yielding is probably his optimum ground and if he proves good enough I'd love to run him up to Christmas, then back off him and go for the festivals.
“He's one we like a lot at home. We're probably looking next at either the 2m6f race here (Florida Pearl Novice Chase – November 16th) or the Drinmore.
“We used to drop him in over hurdles as he was quite keen and didn't really respect the hurdles but he respects a fence. The dream is still alive!”
(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)
