Answer To Kayf gives Terence O'Brien and Johnny Shinnick a first win

NAVAN: John Shinnick celebrates winning The Bar One Racing Troytown Handicap Steeplechase (Grade C) with Answer to Kayf. Picture: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy

On his seasonal debut, Answer To Kayf gave Carrigtwohill-based Terence O’Brien and Johnny Shinnick a first win in the Bar One Racing Troytown Handicap Chase in Navan.

The nine-year-old, a dour stayer, raced prominently but appeared in trouble after a mistake four from home. But he rallied, edged ahead before the final fence and forged up the hill to beat Yeah Man (third last year) by two and a quarter lengths, with veteran Dunboyne a gallant third, a similar distance away.

O’Brien, whose Glenquest finished second to Jack The Bus in 2010 and third behind Tofino Bay (2012), admitted, “It was an obvious enough race for him and the ground came right in time. He went up 12lb. for winning in Naas, which looked harsh, and it was hard to know what to expect on his first run back.” 

And he added, “I thought he was in serious trouble at the end of the back straight, but he had quare heart and gave him a super ride.

“It’s great for everyone – Denis (owner Denis O’Connor) and myself have been great friends a long time. This horse has had a lot of problems and Denis has been very patient.

“And I’m thrilled for Johhny – he got a five-day suspension, appealed it and was able to ride today.” 

As expected, the Willie Mullins-trained Final Demand, successful twice at Grade 1 level over hurdles, proved the star of the supporting card, producing a flawless display to triumph on his eagerly-awaited fencing bow in the Race And Stay Beginners Chase.

Ridden positively by Paul Townend, the 2/7 favourite was in the process of brushing aside old rival Wingmen when Jack Kennedy’s mount blundered at the final fence, before Final Demand sprinted up the hill to score by thirteen lengths.

“It looked so natural to him – he met the fences in his stride,” stated Mullins. “I thought he was getting tired going to the third last but, when Paul gave him a squeeze and a shake, he opened up.

“I hope there’s plenty of improvement in him. And I’d imagine he’ll head for Leopardstown at Christmas, the Dublin Racing Festival and fingers crossed after that.” 

And Townend described the performance as ‘magic’ and ‘awesome’ before admitting, “I thought he was hacking in front. I was trying to rein him in and let him work it out for himself.” At a meeting he has dominated over the years, Gordon Elliott completed a treble, highlighted by the success of Kalypso’chance (Jack Kennedy) in the John Lynch Carpets Monksfield Novice Hurdle (Grade 3).

Turned over at 1/5 on his hurdling bow in Down Royal, the Gigginstown-owned five-year-old travelled and jumped better and, at the business end, stayed on dourly to hold The Big Clubman by a length and a quarter.

“Two miles was too short for him in the north – he had his head in the air and never travelled,” explained Elliott. “He looked a different horse today – he looked happy, with his head down and was tough.

“This (two and a half miles) is his trip and he was bought to be a big chaser. He’s had two quick runs and will go straight to Naas now (for the Grade 1 ‘Lawlor’s Of Naas’ on January 4).” 

Earlier, Elliott and Gigginstown were on the mark with Barbizon, a smart flat performer for John Murphy, who made a pleasing start over obstacles under Danny Gilligan in the Bar One Racing Play Casino 3-Y-0 Maiden Hurdle.

“He has been novicey at home – that’s Why Jack rode the other horse (Wackestone) - but jumped brilliant today,” said Elliott. “That was a good performance and he’ll be better on better ground. Fairyhouse might come a bit quick, so Leopardstown at Christmas is a more likely next step for him.” 

Elliott completed his treble when stable debutante Oldschool Outlaw justified 2/1 favouritism in the listed mares bumper, scoring convincingly under Harry Swan.

And it was a red-letter-day for Abbie Fitzgibbon, from Charleville, who rode her first winner over hurdles on the Charles Byrnes-trained Flashaway (16/1) in the mares maiden hurdle turning over favourite Switch From Diesel.

“I’ve ridden a winner on the flat (in Listowel) and a point-to-point and it’s brilliant to ride one over hurdles,” said a delighted Fitzgibbon.