Shajak and Mark Walsh win the Hurling For Cancer Maiden Hurdle © Photo Healy Racing
Smart flat handicapper Shajak easily opened his account over flights at the third attempt when making short work of the opposition in the opening Hurling For Cancer Moves To Netwatch Cullen Park Carlow August 21st Maiden Hurdle at Limerick.
The Gordon Elliott-trained four-year-old had some very decent form on the level for Johnny Murtagh last season, including when Listed placed in the Vinnie Roe Stakes at Leopardstown.
Following a low key hurdling debut when fifth at Kilbeggan in May, the Zarak gelding was an expensive failure when beaten at 4-7f at Sligo earlier this month.
Due to a host of non-runners, Shajak was sent off at even shorter odds here(2-11f) but those that took the price never had too many anxious moments as Mark Walsh made all on the J.P. McManus owned winner.
Travelling and jumping well in the main, Walsh slowed the race up down the back, allowing the field to close right up but he had plenty in reserve to kick on again before the second last and ultimately went away to win easily by six-and-a-half lengths.
Gordon Elliott said: "He jumped great and I'm delighted with that.
"It wouldn't be the biggest shock in the world if he turned up in the amateur (Connacht Hotel) handicap at Galway on Monday. He is entered in that but isn't in the winners' hurdle. He'd have a big weight but Harry (Swan) or Josh (Williamson) could claim off him."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes.
