Schuh Shines for Williams

Schuh Shine landed a hat-trick of wins over timber with a bold display under Sam Thomas in the Crown Racing Novices’ Hurdle at Fontwell.

The 10-year-old is better known for his exploits over fences, but trainer Venetia Williams has placed him to advantage over the smaller obstacles and he took his third race on the bounce as the 4-9 favourite.

The grey strode on at halfway in the three-mile-three-furlong event and despite getting tired in the closing stages he had opened up a sufficient advantage to hold The Risky Viking by three quarters of a length.

Williams said: “He only had one penalty before today so I will try and find another novice for him as he is a big horse and can cope with a double penalty.

“He will go back over fences at some point, but I think he has another race in him over hurdles.”