Shaneshill© Photo Healy Racing
Top bumper performer Shaneshill got his hurdling career off to the perfect start with an effortless victory at Fairyhouse this afternoon.
Willie Mullins' charge signed off last season when taking the Grade 1 bumper at Punchestown, gaining revenge on Silver Concorde who had beaten him into second place at Cheltenham.
Ruby Walsh, who had ridden the gelding at Cheltenham, was back on board for his debut over timber in the two-and-a-half mile contest and never had an anxious moment on the 2/11 shot.
He tracked the leaders before hitting the front at the second last. The King's Theatre gelding was slightly untidy at the final flight but it made little impression as he cruised to a four-length success. Keppols Queen stayed on to grab the runner-up spot from Wrath Of Titans close home.
“I’m very pleased with that. He jumped very well apart from the third last, and given his bumper form he was entitled to do that,” said Mullins.
“He could go back to two miles or up in trip, and he’s certainly not restricted by trip. For his pedigree he handled the ground well.”
Walsh told Attheraces:- “Obviously his bumper form was rock solid and we thought he was a very good horse.
“He jumped super until I got a bit blinded at the third last and he was a bit indecisive at the last but it was a good performance.
“He stayed really well in Punchestown when Jamie (Codd) rode him in the Grade 1 bumper and he was a point-to-point horse so I'd say stamina will be no issue with him.”
Boylesports left the winner unchanged at 7/1 for the Neptune Hurdle & 10/1 for Supreme Hurdle.
