Answer To Kayf lands the Troytown for Shinnick and O'Brien

Answer To Kayf provided Terence O’Brien and John Shinnick with a notable big race success when landing the €100,000 Bar One Racing Troytown Handicap Chase at Navan this afternoon.

The lightly raced nine-year-old led the 19-runner field for the first circuit but looked in trouble when headed and making a slight mistake at the fourth last fence.

However, the 11/1 chance dug really deep for Shinnick in the straight and was back in front before the last.

He kept on strongly on the run-in to beat Yeah Man by two and a quarter lengths with Dunboyne who was also prominent throughout, the same distance further back in third. Will The Wise completed the places in fourth.

O’Brien said, “I don't know how much planning we did, it was an obvious enough race for him. The ground came right at the right time for him.

"Obviously, without a run it is very hard to know.

"He won well in Naas and he went up 12lb and I thought that was going to anchor him. He had two disappointing enough runs after it. On quicker ground, I'd say he is not the same horse.

"Down the bottom of the back straight, I thought we were in serious trouble but, in fairness, he had quare heart and Johnny gave him a super ride.

"Delighted for Johnny because Johnny got a five-day suspension and I thought it was very unfair. He appealed it and they allowed him to ride today. I'm thrilled for him.

"Denis (O'Connor, owner) and I are great friends for a long time.

"It is a tough game, and it has been hard. It is great to deliver.

"Coming up here today, did I think I was going to win? No I didn't, I would have been thrilled if I was in the first five or six.

"The O'Connors have had a tough year as well. Young Denis had an accident. He hurt his arm and a week later he was back working.

"There is more to life than racing, but I suppose it brings out the emotion in people. It is just fantastic to win a race here like this.

"I was second in it a couple of years back with Glenquest, about ten years ago I'd say. You think you might not get a chance again because these handicaps are so competitive."

Denis O’Connor added, “It means an awful lot for Terence, Johnny, and even for the horse. He's had his problems down along the line, but things have come right."

Quotes by Michael Graham