Shanala on top to give Murtagh and Coen a second success The 80-rated Shanala gave Johnny Murtagh and Ben Coen their second win of the afternoon when landing the Gowran Park Racing Club Fillies Maiden over the extended nine furlongs. Leading well over a furlong out, the strong 11/8 favourite gamely held off the late challenge of Joseph O'Brien’s 5/2 chance Sangreal by half a length, with the John Murphy-trained 7/1 shot Emberelle 14 lengths further back in third place. Murtagh and Coen were also on the mark with 5/4 favourite Littlepacer in the opening nursery. The winning trainer commented, “I was running out of chances. Pat (Downes, Racing Manager) suggested the last day that maybe a mile-and-three was as far as she wanted. “There is a bit of speed in the family so dropping her back today it was the ideal trip. Ben said he got a beautiful run; she quickened up and sustained it right to the line. “I'm delighted to get a win out of her because she probably deserved it. She'd been knocking on the door all season.”
