Flemensfirth’s son Shrapnel wins G3

The Gordon Elliott-trained Shrapnel (7g Flemensfirth-Victoria Theatre, by Old Vic) made it two wins from two starts over fences when capturing the G3 Ballybrit Novices’ Chase at Galway on Sunday. The son of Flemensfirth has also carried Gigginstown House Stud’s colours to victories in a point-to-point and over hurdles but looks to have come into his own as he embarks on his novice chasing career. Having scored on his debut at Fairyhouse earlier in the month, he stepped up to beat Clar Na Mionn by two and a half lengths under Davy Russell in this 2m 1f contest. Elliott’s representative Karen Morgan told irishracing.com: “He’s coming along nicely, and jumps well. Davy gave him a great ride and he’ll be kept to this grade. He seems to handle most types of ground.” Shrapnel was sold for 160,000 euros at the 2009 Tattersalls Ireland Derby Sale by his breeder Aaron Metcalfe. The seven-year-old is a half-brother to G1 RSA Chase and G1 Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle winner Weapon’s Amnesty.