Shazza wins under Colin Keane© Photo Healy Racing
Champion jockey Colin Keane made it three at Listowel when first-time on turf Shazza did the business for Philip Rothwell at 14/1 in the John Thomas McNamara Handicap (division one).
Keane’s earlier winners were for Dermot Weld — Tashgheel and Probe — two three-year-olds for Shadwell and Juddmonte respectively.
Bred in County Kilkenny by Denis Phelan, four times previously raced Teofilo filly Shazza is also owned by Noreside dwellers, the Fitzpatricks.
The Fitzpatrick’s last runner, Hey Johnny, also returned to the number one spot, when coming home in front in a May 25th Ballinrobe bumper for Tom and Charlie Mullins.
Here Shazza beat Supreme Machine and favourite Dixon Line by two and a quarter lengths and three and a quarter lengths.
“Speaking to Mr Rothwell beforehand he thought she was more of a mile and two filly but a stiff mile on testing ground here would play to her strengths. He was spot on,” said Keane.
“Kevin (Manning) had ridden her before and I remember him saying he liked her. I kept it fairly straight forward, got a nice position and when the split came she quickened up well and ran all the way to the line.
“You’d imagine she will get further and she’s obviously versatile if she handles the all-weather and that bit of ease in the ground. I’m sure connections will have plenty of fun with her.”
(AM & EM)
