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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

First chase winner for Shanahan

Sat 10th Oct 2015, 18:08

King Of The Picts (left) is third over the final fenceKing Of The Picts (left) is third over the final fence
© Photo Healy Racing

King Of The Picts is the first horse to have run over fences for Pat Shanahan and, following an outing in a Grade 3 chase at Roscommon, the dual-purpose gelding opened his account over the larger obstacles at Fairyhouse in the Cavalor Premium Feed, Supplements And Care Beginners Chase.

The market suggested the eight-runner event could be narrowed down to three main contenders, and that's just the way the two-mile contest worked out.

Jonathan Burke set the pace on A Sizing Network and Gambling Girl looked set to score when taking over after the last.

However Luke Dempsey galvanised a strong late effort from King Of The Picts, and the 3/1 chance finished to such effect that he had a length and three quarters to spare at the line.

Shanahan said, "He jumped brilliant, and will probably go for a winners' race before he heads to the Horses In Training Sale in December. He's a grand game, tough horse and will give someone plenty of fun.

"He was a great jumper over hurdles and has learned quickly over fences. Ground wise he doesn't want extremes."

About Alan Magee
Alan has worked in the racing industry for well over 30 years including with the Sporting Life, Turform and Irish Racing Services. He took up his current role as Irish Racing Team Leader with the Press Association in 2013. He has a keen interest in most sports and plays golf.