Shuttle Diplomacy staked his claim for one of the big novice races at Cheltenham in March with a convincing success in the Irish EBF Maiden Hurdle over 2m2f at Naas on Sunday.
Prepared by Tralee handler Tom Cooper, the gelding impressed with how he put away the well-backed 2-1 favourite Arcadian Emperor, trained by Willie Mullins for JP McManus, by over four lengths at odds of 11-4. Mallow jockey Daniel King did the steering.
Shuttle Diplomacy was placed in the Cheltenham bumper as a 66-1 chance last year and this was his first win in four attempts over hurdles.
Given his prior form at the English track, connections later said he would be targeted at the Turners Novices’ Hurdle over 2m5f for which he is a 50-1 chance ante-post.
***
There was a right battle between the two biggest yards in Meath in the concluding handicap chase at Down Royal with trainer Gordon Elliott just getting the better of his competitor Gavin Cromwell courtesy of Lucky Lyreen.
This winner needed all of jockey Jack Kennedy’s skill and determination, his 4-1 chance gaining a courageous neck verdict over Born Braver, 5-1 in the market and the mount of Keith Donoghue.
Upcoming Fixtures
Dundalk Tues Jan 13, first race 1.30pm
Fairyhouse Weds Jan 14, first race 12.45pm
Fairyhouse Thurs, Jan 15, first race 12.23pm
Dundalk Fri, Jan 16, first race 4.15pm
Navan Sat, Jan 17, first race 12.10pm
Thurles Sun, Jan 18, first race 12.40pm
