Boy bosses things for Shinnick Courtbrack Boy proved too hot to handle for his rivals as he produced a fine front-running performance in the Prior Park Service Station Handicap Chase at Clonmel. The Terence O’Brien-trained gelding took them along in the two-miler and kicked a few lengths clear turning for home, under John Shinnick. He had to avoid the loose horse going to the second last and sealed matters with a good jump at the last to score by five-and-a-half lengths from the staying on Zolpharine. The 9/1 winner had scored over hurdles at the venue back in February and was making his seasonal debut this afternoon. "He is a bit of a quirky guy, is difficult to handle and takes a bit of riding but has been a great servant. He got his own way today, so it suited, and Johnny gave him a grand ride,” said O’Brien. "He'll mix it away and still has a nice mark over hurdles, so he'll mix it away over the winter, as he is ok on soft ground too. “My horses hadn't been running great over the last six weeks so if I'd have had a winner, I'd have been more confident.  "He is owner-bred by Tim Murray from Courtbrack, so it is great for him." (Quotes by Tom Weekes)
