Shane Shortall© Photo Healy Racing
Shane Shortall's trip to Musselburgh paid off when Shrewd put up an impressive display in the totepool Supporting Scottish Racing Scottish County Hurdle.
Racing from just out of the handicap, Shortall was coolness personified on the six-year-old, trained in Dumfriesshire by Iain Jardine.
Slightly unlucky last time out, he was settled at the rear as Aristo Du Plessis and Vendor put the pace to the race. Turning into the straight, Shrewd scraped paint on the inner, saving several lengths, and was soon on the heels of the leaders.
As Aristo Du Plessis folded, Vendor and Cardinal Walter were joined by Shrewd (5-1) at the last and a good race looked in order. However, Shrewd quickened up in the style of a horse well ahead of his mark, coming two lengths clear of the game Vendor for a popular success.
Jardine said: "Ryan Day rode him last time when he was unlucky but he couldn't do the weight. As he was out of the handicap I wanted to claim off him and Shane gave him a great ride.
"This was the plan and I'd doubt that he'll get into the County Hurdle. I'm not sure Cheltenham is his track, either.
"He might go for the Cheltenham consolation race at Kempton - he has loads of options.
"They went quick and that suited. I think he'll win races on the Flat in the summer."
