Shanroe in charge over the last© Photo Healy Racing
Shanroe scooted right away from his opposition to win the two mile novice handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse in good style. You Say Nothing still held a sizeable advantage over three out but Shanroe led the pursuers and collared the tiring leader at the penultimate hurdle.
One crack of the whip from Donagh Meyler saw him forge clear of Jon Ess before the final flight. He jumped it well and the 11/2 favourite took the honours by nine lengths.
Jon Ess was very easy to back at 28/1 and came in second ahead of Fighting Fit (6/1) and Isotope at 40/1.
Trainer Karl Thornton said: "He's a classy horse. I'd say he is probably still learning his trade over hurdles.
"John (Barry) rode him the last day, he gave him a super ride and taught him plenty. He was always going to need the run in Down Royal [when fourth on St Patrick's Day] but I just thought it would suit him fine to go there and come here after.
"Off 97 I still think he's well handicapped on the Flat. We'll go back to the Flat now and we'll target a lot of those premier handicaps. We'll maybe target Ascot or one of those places and one of those two-mile races.
"He's an odd horse but his work is always very good."
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
