Shareen takes Gowran spoils

Shareen showed plenty of guts to defy the late thrust of She’s Our Mark in the Denny Cordell Lavarack & Lanwades Stud Fillies Stakes at Gowran.

Narrowly denied by Obama Rule in a Curragh Group Three last month, John Oxx’s three-year-old secured her first success at that level with a gutsy performance.

Always prominent under Niall McCullagh, the 9-1 shot traded early blows with Miss Laa Di Da before making a break for home at the top of the straight.

Although she drifted across the track, Shareen kept finding a little extra to account for her long-time rival, but She’s Our Mark was determined to have her say.

The 7-4 favourite made a late lunge inside the distance but she just could not edge out the game Shareen, who clung on by a short head.

Slim O’Neill, representing Oxx, said: “Niall only gets himself off the cold list on Group or Listed winners for the Aga Khan! He rode Karasiyra to win the Lenebane Stakes at Roscommon in July.

“We were worried about the ground but she is very very tough and consistent. That was the plan so I don’t know what’s in the future for her but it is great to win a Group race with her.”