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

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.

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.