The Shantou King made all the running to readily land the opening McSweeney Brothers Maiden Hurdle on the fourth day of the Listowel Harvest Festival.

Trained in County Clare by Aengus King, the six-year-old was sent straight to the front from the off by Mark McDonagh, making his experience count on his fourth start over flights.

The application of first-time cheekpieces aided the geldings cause, as he jumped and travelled well at the head of the field.

Skipping on after the second last flight, the winner had to survive a bad mistake at the last hurdle before regaining composure to run out a tidy four length winner.

Aengus King, “We’ve had a few issues with him through the year and he should have won the bumper in Kilbeggan.

“He holds his breath and could hold it for a furlong or more.

“I said to Mark if we can get out in front and when he released down the back just before the bend, he knew he was in business then. If he didn’t he’d stop.

“He’s a lovely horse and we are having a bit of fun with him.

“Mark comes in three days a week to ride out and I’m delighted for him.

“We didn’t expect it. I put him in a handicap a week ago after the run in Kilbeggan and he (handicapper) told me I had to go again!”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee.