Shanbally Kid and Eoin O'Brien easily win the bumper© Photo Healy Racing
Shanbally Kid landed a real touch in great style when making all under Eoin O’Brien in the Next Race Meeting May 12th (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race at Clonmel.
O’Brien was completing a memorable 24 hours having partnered his hundredth point-to-point winner when Hipop dead-heated at Ballyknock yesterday.
Shanbally Kid, soundly beaten on his only previous start for Philip Fenton at Thurles in February, was available as big as 66/1 overnight but was backed down at all rates and went off just 9/1.
Now in the care of Limerick trainer Richard O’Brien, the Presenting gelding cruised clear over a furlong to beat the 5/4 favourite Polo Lounge by six-and-a-half lengths.
Point-to-point winner Top Speed was a further three-and-three-quarter lengths away in third.
O'Brien said, "I'm delighted with him and it was a lovely performance. A lot of the credit goes to Colm Ryan who works with me and does a lot of the breaking and pre-training. Colm really built the horse up after a break and he came to me three weeks ago and has been terrific since.
"It was a smashing performance and if you look back at his Thurles run, he was green and got tired but did show a little bit. He has only came to himself and blossomed since.
"You'd like to think somebody will come for him. John and Dan (Hayes, owners) are local to us and I'd be astonished if they keep him long-term - maybe one of the top three boys (trainers) might come and buy him.
"Eoin O'Brien gave him a brilliant ride and is a real sure pair of hands."
(TW & AM)
