A Star Performance

Wed 05 Jan 2022

WINNER 2 OF 2022: STAR SHIELD, trained by David O'Meara and ridden by Danny Tudhope: The feature, 'MansionBet Beaten By A Head Handicap' over 1m at Newcastle.

Drawn in 5, towards the rail, he was held up by Danny, as are the usual tactics with him, although he did take a keen hold. Going easily from over 2f out, he made smooth headway and quickened between horses. Ridden to lead inside the final furlong, he ran on well and eased towards the finish, the winning margin was 3/4 of a length and he looked comfortable, in the process!

This was a 6th career win for the likeable and consistent chestnut and 5 of those have been in our silks, as we bought him at the Tattersalls HIT sale.

"Star Shield is doing enough!" Watch the full race replay here: https://www.attheraces.com/racecard/Newcastle/04-January-2022/1700

Timeform rated it as a career best t94 performance, saying: "Produced a career best to resume winning ways despite a steady pace not playing to his strengths, is going through a good spell at the moment; held up, travelled well, headway when switched under 2f out, led 1f out, kept on well, won readily; will continue to give a good account.”

View the official photo gallery here: https://www.grossick.co.uk/p/80532khg/C385295520/x5-star-shield

Danny said in his Sky Sports Racing interview: "The race panned out nicely for him. He likes plenty of cover and pricks his ears when he hits the front. He's a grand horse and there's plenty more fun to be had with him.”

Syndicate manager Mike says: "Congratulations to his owners on their win and hats off to David O'Meara for Star Shield producing a career best last evening. Rather nice for us to have two winners in 2 days on the All-Weather!”