Shellrunforbriggs a poignant winner for connections Shellrunforbriggs landed a touch when forging eight-lengths clear in the BAR 1 Casino Maiden Hurdle at Naas. She was unplaced in a bumper and two maiden hurdle at 66/1, 125/1 and 200/1, but it was a very different story today. From a morning price of 22/1, she was backed down to 15/2. She swung the home bend in a close third under Eoin Walsh and went on between the final two flights. The race hadn't been put to bed at the last, though, as Kellys Corner was still there on her inner, however, the daughter of Harzand was strong in the final furlong as she took the honours by a decisive eight lengths. Empire Walk made up late ground for second at 7/1 and was three-quarters of a length in front of Kellys Corner (16/1) as the favourite Lincall weakened out of contention in fifth. Michael Winters said: “Maurice Sheehan is part of the syndicate and the horse is named after his brother Danny, whose nickname was Briggs, and who passed away last year so there is plenty of emotion involved. “She’s progressing from race to race, and we don’t know how good she is. She was finishing strong the last day in Fairyhouse, and she loves soft ground. She’ll jump a fence.” Additional reporting by Alan Magee
