There was a big win for a Laois trainer and an owner with strong Laois connections in Downpatrick on Monday.
The 4.45pm Downpatrick Handicap Steeplechase went to Shantou Sisu – trained by The Heath based Billy Lanigan.
This was Mr Lanigan’s first winner of the new season and the horse bolted up at odds of 5/1.
He was given another confident ride under Danny Mullins and led at the third last.
He was three lengths ahead at the final flight when he made a slight mistake that set up an interesting finish.
Zagnzig lunged after him but Shantou Sisu held on to win by 3/4 of a length.
Shantou Sisu, owned by a man called Hugh Laing, scooped the €6,000 first prize.
Speaking to IrishRacing.com after the race, trainer Lanigan paid tribute to jockey Danny Mullins.
He said: “Danny Mullins rides him very well. He’s a very nice horse and is tough and genuine.
“He’s the same in his work at home, he tries every inch of the road.
“He’d sooner have a bit of dig in the ground. We might look at Listowel if there was a suitable race for him.”
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