Shanahan's Turn in front at Punchestown © Photo Healy Racing
Shanahan’s Turn was pushed out by Johnny Burke to land the spoils in the Grade 2 Dobbins Outdoor Catering Florida Pearl Novice Chase over two miles six at Punchestown.
The six-year-old travelled strongly and came through to lead at the second last from Lots Of Memories Indevan and Ruby Walsh though closed on him coming to the last.
Upon landing, Walsh quickly got after his charge but they were unable to collar the leader who readily devoured the run-in to win by four and three quarter lengths at 11/4.
Henry de Bromhead said: “He jumped deadly and settled well. He has a real kick for a horse that stays so well. Jonathan gave him a super ride, and the dream is still alive! I’m really pleased with that.
“I was a bit worried about coming here so soon after his last run. We’ll give him a break now, and I’d imagine we will try three miles at Leopardstown over Christmas. I wanted to get most of the business done by Christmas, and then see. He runs well fresh.
“He could run over two and a half miles or three. The dream would be to go to Cheltenham, but I’ve never been a massive fan of the RSA Chase as it’s always a hard race. But that’s a long way off and I’ll have to talk to Alan and Ann before making plans.”
Runner-up Indevan was a 4/1 chance. He was four and a half lengths in front of Security Breach Very Wood the 13/8 favourite, was pulled up before the penultimate fence when in rear.
Gigginstown House Stud took Thunder And Roses out of this race as a mark of respect to trainer Dessie Hughes who died overnight.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
