Shanning© Photo Healy Racing
Shanning leads a four-strong Willie Mullins team into battle in the Ladbrokes Ireland Listowel Handicap Hurdle on Thursday.
With a total prize fund of 100,000 euro up for grabs, the two-mile contest is the feature event on day five of the seven-day Harvest Festival.
Mullins claimed last year’s renewal with subsequent Royal Ascot heroine Lagostovegas and Shanning appears the champion trainer’s chief contender this season in the hands of Paul Townend.
After winning her first two starts in Ireland, the Supreme Horse Racing Club-owned five-year-old returned from a 10-month absence to finish a creditable third in a valuable handicap over almost three miles at the Galway Festival.
Steve Massey, racing manager for the owners, said: “She ran a cracker at Galway after a long lay-off.
“She’s a mare we like and this is a race we’ve had in mind since Galway.
“She has a nice weight (10st 7lb) and we think coming back in trip will suit.
“She’s in good form and we’re hoping for another good run.”
Blazer (Mark Walsh), who is due to run in Wednesday’s Kerry National, Voix Du Reve (David Mullins) and Makitorix (Danny Mullins) complete the Closutton quartet.
The 15-strong field is headed by John Joe Walsh’s stable star Davids Charm who was last seen finishing ninth when well-fancied for the Galway Hurdle.
Other contenders include Tom Mullins-trained veteran Top Othe Ra Enda Bolger’s Ballyoisin and Boot Camp from Gordon Elliott’s yard.
