Club Godolphin Cesearewitch report and replay: The Shunter denies Pied Piper
In a finish dominated by horses more accustomed to Cheltenham than Newmarket, the 14/1 winner tanked through the race under James Doyle and was in front approaching the furlong pole.
And he stayed there despite the late charge from Pied Piper (13/2) who belied fears the trip may stretch his stamina by finishing best of all. However his late gains could only get him to within three-quarters-of-a-length of his rival.
Tashkaan (25/1) ran a mighty race under top weight in third.
Unlimited race replays of all UK & Irish racing
Access to exclusive features all for FREE - No monthly subscription fee
Log in with your existing Sporting Life, Sky Bet, or Sky Games account. If you don't have any of those, it's completely FREE to register!
Winning trainer Emmet Mullins said: “It was a brilliant performance from horse and rider. James was brilliant on him. It was funny the instructions I gave to James as he didn’t know what to make of it. I said his hardest trouble might be getting him to the start and I said he has probably got more ignorance than ability, but he will keep fighting and going to the line for you. It was a bit surreal that it has all come off.
“This has probably been on the radar since last year with his good run in fourth in the November Handicap at Naas. We always thought there could be a big pot in him on the Flat and I suppose patience has paid off.
“He had been in great order at home, and I was very happy with him. Thanks go to the patience of JP (McManus) and Frank (Berry, racing manager) as they were willing to put faith in me and my position to come over here and it has paid off. He is very tough, and he has shown that over the years. He has toughed out and he fights for everything.”
Following the race Mullins admitted all options remained open to The Shunter, with a tilt at next year’s Randox Health Grand National, which the Irish-based handler won with Noble Yeats in 2022, potentially among them.
He added: “All options are open again. He was entered in last season’s Grand National, but we scratched him at the 11th hour. Everything is an option.”
- Racecards
- Fast results
- Full results and free video replays
- Horse racing news
- Horse racing tips
- Horse racing features
- Download our free iOS and Android app
- Football and other sports tips
- Podcasts and video content
Safer gambling
We are committed in our support of safer gambling. Recommended bets are advised to over-18s and we strongly encourage readers to wager only what they can afford to lose.
If you are concerned about your gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline / GamCare on 0808 8020 133.
Further support and information can be found at begambleaware.org and gamblingtherapy.org
