Dundalk Maiden Winner Adds To The Gurkha’s Tally

Shackleton Hero (3c The Gurkha - Blue Cloud, by Nashwan) built on some promising placed efforts to justify favoritism in Monday’s six furlong maiden at Dundalk.

Placed on three of his four previous starts, the Joseph O’Brien trained colt dropped down in trip on his first start since November and was ridden to chase the leaders by Declan McDonogh. Travelling well with two furlongs left to race, he was pushed along to lead a furlong later and was driven out to score by a length and a quarter.

Owned by Rectory Road Holdings, Mrs Magnier and Mrs O’Brien, Shackleton Hero was bred by Whisperview Trading. From the first crop of top-class miler The Gurkha, he is a half-brother to dual Stakes winner Empowering, also known as the dam of dual Group winner Mohawk (Galileo).