WILLIE Mullins and J.P. McManus have a nice prospect on their hands in Shadow Rider (2/5) who took advantage of a good opportunity in the Eden Capital Maiden Hurdle over two and a half miles.

The Mark Walsh-ridden winner lined up with a compelling piece of form which came in the shape of a Navan third to Ashdale Bob and Wide Receiver and with that race working out superbly he was always going to take a lot of beating.

Shadow Rider appeared to have matters under control some way from home and, while Eye Van threatened in the straight, the favourite made sure of the outcome with a bold jump at the last. He won by eight lengths and will surely be holding his own in much better company before long.

THE talented Diol Ker made a successful switch back to hurdles as he somehow pulled victory out of the fire in the Signsplus Hurdle over two-and-a-half miles. A first winner for jockey Michael Stenson since March 2019, this classy Noel Meade inmate started out his season over fences but three runs later he was switched back to the smaller obstacles for the first time since beating Monkfish in a Fairyhouse maiden in November 2019.

Second wind

The Gigginstown-owned Diol Ker looked held in third coming away from two out but the complexion of this race was to change dramatically in the closing stages. Born By The Sea seemed sure to score when getting away from the last much quicker than Clondaw Secret whose effort petered out after a mistake but then Diol Ker found his second wind and charged home to strike the front in the last stride or two. The winning rider has been based full time with Meade for the last 18 months.

“We took the decision to leave chasing until next season after his last run and he’s done well to win as three miles is what he wants and I’d say he would prefer a more galloping track,” stated Meade.

“I’m not sure about plans but he’s a horse with a high enough rating so we could look at some good staying hurdles with him and some good handicaps too.”

Awkwafina springs

a huge 100/1 surprise

THE busy post Christmas period kicked off with some huge upsets on either side of the Irish Sea and one of those came in the opening Geary’s Garage Kilmeedy 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle where Awkwafina struck at 100/1 for Sam Curling and Philip Enright.

In the colours of jockey’s valet, Liam Cleary, this filly showed some promise on the flat during the summer and looks to have a bright future in this sphere. She finished strongly from two out to head the odds-on Palm Beach at the last and she then held off the rallying market leader by a neck.

“Sam said she had only done one bit of work away from grass and she went well and he said she jumped well. He thought she’d handle the ground and she galloped to the line strongly,” remarked the rider.

Tiara sparkles

Minx Tiara ended a year and a half without a win in some style as she ran riot in the O’Kelly Brothers Mares Handicap Hurdle. This David O’Brien-trained and Kevin Brouder-ridden daughter of Doyen, who is owned by the Fastey For Fun Syndicate, produced a bold and unrelenting effort from the front.

The well-backed 9/1 chance readily overcame scares at the last two flights for a commanding 11-length triumph over No Memory. The winner was building on an encouraging comeback at Fairyhouse last month. This was Brouder’s first ride for the trainer.

Cracking It’sallbouteve

THE card concluded with a very taking effort from the John Joe Walsh newcomer It’sallbouteve in the Parkway Shopping Centre Mares INH Flat Race.

This daughter of Doyen was returned a well-backed 7/1 chance under William Cronin and she was going notably well as the runners filed into the straight.

The favourite Ardera Ru was going just as well but could offer no response as the Elizabeth Stack-owned filly surged past in the closing stages to win by four and a half lengths and looks a cracking prospect.

White scores

A second to No Grey Area’s at Clonmel in early December suggested that Chalky White (100/30) could get his turn before long and he duly did over fences in the Mr Binman Handicap Chase.

James Dullea’s charge, in the colours of the Good At It Too Partnership, was produced by Brian Hayes to lead at the second last and they got home by four lengths from Damut.