Shamsikhan just holds off I Like It A Lot (near side) with Easter Hunt (hidden far side) close up in third© Photo Healy Racing
Paul Townend made a successful return to action after a near two-week absence with a shoulder injury when Shamsikhan justified odds on favouritism in the opening CIT Horse Racing Society Maiden Hurdle at Cork.
The former champion was one of a number of riders to be sidelined at the Cheltenham Festival having taken a tumble when Adriana Des Mottes was brought down by stable-companion Abbyssial at the second flight in the JCB Triumph Hurdle.
The Willie Mullins-trained gelding tracked the front-running Easter Hunt as the pair went clear entering the straight, and the 4/7 market leader was sent on approaching the final flight.
However Townend’s fitness was fully put to the test as Like It A Lot came with a strong challenge from off the pace to get within a fast-diminishing head at the line.
The runner-up can be considered a shade unlucky as not only did he have to make up considerable ground in the straight but Danny Mullins’ mount also met the last all wrong.
Easter Hunt also kept on under pressure to be just a neck further back in third, with the remainder well strung out behind.
