King Of The Picts (left) is third over the final fence© Photo Healy Racing
King Of The Picts is the first horse to have run over fences for Pat Shanahan and, following an outing in a Grade 3 chase at Roscommon, the dual-purpose gelding opened his account over the larger obstacles at Fairyhouse in the Cavalor Premium Feed, Supplements And Care Beginners Chase.
The market suggested the eight-runner event could be narrowed down to three main contenders, and that's just the way the two-mile contest worked out.
Jonathan Burke set the pace on A Sizing Network and Gambling Girl looked set to score when taking over after the last.
However Luke Dempsey galvanised a strong late effort from King Of The Picts, and the 3/1 chance finished to such effect that he had a length and three quarters to spare at the line.
Shanahan said, "He jumped brilliant, and will probably go for a winners' race before he heads to the Horses In Training Sale in December. He's a grand game, tough horse and will give someone plenty of fun.
"He was a great jumper over hurdles and has learned quickly over fences. Ground wise he doesn't want extremes."
