Shakazia brings up Fairyhouse doubles for Murtagh and Coen Runner-up on both start this term, Shakazia brought up doubles for Johnny Murtagh and Ben Coen when registering a first career success in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden at Fairyhouse. Down the field on her racecourse debut at Leopardstown last October, the Kodiac filly took a significant step forward when beaten less than a length on her reappearance at Naas. Again finding just one too good when returning to Leopardstown last month, the three-year-old was supported into 4/6f to strike at the fourth time of asking. Well away from her wide draw, Shakazia held the perfect pitch in third, tracking leaders Sandi O Mali and Ribble Emperor. Coming through to head the latter over a furlong out, the eventual winner stayed on strongly to beat Perfect Base by two-and-three-quarter lengths. Johnny Murtagh said: “She was due that win. Ben said that race suited her well and she is probably starting to relax a bit better now and learning how to race. “The two in front gave her a nice lead and he said when he pulled her out, she felt like she had loads in the tank. She quickened up and won well. “It’s nice to get a winning bracket and we’ll see what the handicapper gives her now before deciding her next target. “Seven furlongs and good to firm ground suits her really well.” Additional reporting by Alan Magee.
