Jockey Angle: 'He won that Grade 3 very snugly and I think the Galway track probably does not suit him' One of the best stories to come out of Galway last week was Shadow Paddy winning the Grade 3 chase under Gary Noonan. The jubilant scenes that followed in the winners enclosure was a heart warming sight as trainer Eoin McCarthy celebrated the biggest win of his career. Former jockey-turned-coach and now lead analyst for irishracing.com, Paddy Flood, was particularly taken with the performance and explained why on the latest episode of The Jockey Angle, sponsored by William Hill. Race replays are FREE to watch from all Irish tracks and a selection of premier British tracks sponsored by William Hill. Paddy Flood’s Analysis What I really loved was what happened after the final fence. Plenty of horses are under pressure there, and nine times out of ten they do not quicken up the hill. What I liked about Gary’s ride was that he seemed to know exactly what he had underneath him. He did not reach for the stick straight away, and he did not try to force the horse into becoming unbalanced. He waited until he had him straightened up, then gave him one flick and gets him out to the outside. Another flick, and then watch this big horse power all the way to the line. Watch The Jockey Angle for the full analysis of Shadow Paddy’s win He is a really eye-catching horse. He is a good-looking animal as well. There is also a great story behind the owners. Eoin McCarthy bought him for maybe six or eight thousand and produced him himself, doing everything with the horse from the beginning. He is unbeaten over fences, which is not easy to do in Ireland. I think if this horse gets onto a flat track such as Leopardstown, Punchestown or Fairyhouse, a big, open track, that is when you will see the very best of him. He won that Grade 3 very snugly, and I think the Galway track probably does not suit him. He could develop into a Grade 1 horse in time, and he is definitely one to keep on the right side of.
