Successful UK raids for Shanahan & Cromwell There was three Irish trained winners in the UK today, with Pat Shanahan and Gavin Cromwell both on the mark. Having recorded a double at Hamilton last Thursday, Shanahan repeated the feat at the Scottish venue this afternoon. The consistent Sharp Defence was his first winner in the racinguk.com Handicap. Sent off the 7/2 co-favourite of three, the son of First Defence hit the front over a furlong out and kept on well under pressure inside the final furlong, going on to score comfortably by three and a quarter lengths under Tadhg O'Shea. Wee Jock (11/10fav) completed the brace for Shanahan and owners Thistle Bloodstock Limited in the concluding contest, the second divide of the Racing UK On Sky 432 Handicap. Successful over the course and distance last Thursday, the son of Pour Moi followed-up this evening, making all under Royston Ffrench, coming home a length and a quarter to the good. Shanahan saddled three more on the card, and they finished third (Ionization), sixth (Leven), and ninth (Unite The Clans) respectively. Gavin Cromwell sent two runners to Stratford this evening, with well-backed newcomer Soleglad obliging in the concluding Mike & Shirley Hewlett Golden Wedding Celebration Standard NH Flat Race. After opening at 9/4 on-course, the son of Scorpion eventually went off the clear 6/4 favourite under Derek O’Connor. Settled towards rear, the bay gelding made good headway from over two furlongs out, and hit the front with a furlong left to go, keeping on well under pressure to score by a length. Cromwell also sent across Damut I’m Out, but he disappointed in the Racing UK First Meeting Live Maiden Hurdle.
