Shanpallas, far side, and Tom Horn land over the last© Photo Healy Racing
JP McManus was triple-handed in the Grade A Munster National and it was his Shanpallas at 7/1 who stayed on stoutly to take the valuable handicap chase.
The six-year-old went off favourite for the Kerry National last-time out, but finished third. He showed suitable improvement here today.
Davy Russell brought him to challenge entering the straight and he stayed on to lead coming to the final fence. Russell kept him up to his work on the run-in to beat another McManus-owned horse, Tom Horn into second by three parts of a length.
The runner-up’s SP was 15/2. He was a neck in front of 11/4 favourite Bose Ikard Back Off Mate rewarded his each way punters by taking fourth at 7/1.
Charles Byrnes said: “He was a bit inexperienced at Listowel. His jumping probably cost him. He was the right side of the handicapper in Listowel so we fancied him, but I was a bit worried about his weight today as it was a big ask.
“His jumping today was much better. I actually think he is more of a two and a half miler than a three miler.
“That’s my first winner for JP McManus. He only bought him two and a half weeks ago, but in fairness his previous owners are here now and are delighted he won.
“He needs good ground so his options are limited, but it’s job done today. I won the race a long time ago with Super Franky (in 2000), but it wasn’t worth as much then!”
Davy Russell added: “The experience in Listowel stood to him. All credit goes to Charles. Listowel’s a bit tight and he was a bit inexperienced. He never missed a beat here. The bigger scopier track helped him.”
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
