Shuttle Diplomacy
Shuttle Diplomacy was impressive in winning the two-mile-two-and-a-half-mile maiden hurdle at Naas on Sunday. Settled nicely by Daniel King just behind the leaders through the early part of the race, he travelled really well into his race. He moved up to join the leaders, still on the bridle, at the second last flight, and he came away from his rivals on the run-in. He finished over four lengths clear of Arcadian Emperor, who was in turn eight and a half lengths clear of the rest.
It was a really nice performance by Tom Cooper's horse, who was over a second faster than his fastest rival through the final four furlongs. Third in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham last March, he was well beaten in each of his first two runs over hurdles this season, but he was much better at Limerick over Christmas, when he stayed on well to take second place behind a talented and exciting horse of Willie Mullins' in King Rasko Grey. Back in fourth place that day was I Started A Joke, who was an impressive winner of his maiden hurdle at Punchestown on New Year's Eve. This was a step forward on that run by Shuttle Diplomacy, and there is every chance that he will be able to continue his progression now, with this win under his belt. Out of a half-sister to dual Prix Royal-Oak winner Tac De Boistron, he could improve again for a step up to two and a half miles.
Naas, 25th January 2026
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