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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Imperial performance from Shabra

Sun 7th Jul 2013, 16:22

Oliver Brady celebrates in the winners enclosure with Ryan Treacy and Rita ShahOliver Brady celebrates in the winners enclosure with Ryan Treacy and Rita Shah
© Photo Healy Racing

“I don’t think there is a hardier horse in Ireland” was trainer Oliver Brady’s tribute after Imperial Shabra made all to take the featured Seamus Mulvaney Crockafotha Handicap Hurdle in great style.

The durable nine-year-old was making his 88th start and recording his sixth career victory as Ryan Treacy blazed a trail here in the two and a half mile event.

The 6/1 chance, owned by Brady’s principal patron Rita Shah, shrugged off a number of challengers in the straight, and proved much too strong for 7/2 favourite Usuel Smurfer from the last to score by two and a quarter lengths. Whatever It Takes (14/1) was a further seven and a half lengths away in third.

“I don’t think there is a hardier horse in Ireland, and he’s a great money spinner. He’ll head to Galway and we’ll find something for him there,” said Brady, who celebrated his 74th birthday yesterday.

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.