Terence O'Brien's nine-year-old Answer To Kayf stole the show at Navan's Bar One Racing Troytown Handicap Chase, outclassing his opponents in a thrilling finish. Ridden by John Shinnick, who claimed valuable 3lb for riding the horse, Answer To Kayf built on its novice chasing experience and sixth-placed run at Punchestown to deliver an impressive performance.
As the crowd watched, Answer To Kayf ran a game race, claiming a two-and-a-quarter-length victory from Gavin Cromwell's Yeah Man and Ian Donoghue-trained Dunboyne. O'Brien praised Shinnick's ride, stating that his jockey gave the horse "a super ride" after initially being handed a five-day suspension.
O'Brien also expressed his gratitude to owner Denis O'Connor, saying that winning at Navan was a special moment for him and his partner. The trainer acknowledged that racing can be tough, but it brings out strong emotions in people, and he felt privileged to experience this with his team.
In related news, Gordon Elliott's Kalypso'chance made a statement on his second start over hurdles, winning the John Lynch Carpets & Flooring Monksfield Novice Hurdle at Navan. The chestnut horse showed improved form after being upped in grade and accounting for Paul Nolan's The Big Clubman by a length and a quarter.
Elliott attributed Kalypso'chance's success to his ability to travel well, stating that the horse was "happy" as he ran with his head down. The trainer also expressed optimism about the horse's future, suggesting that he could go further than two and a half miles and potentially start racing at Naas soon.
Answer To Kayf's victory marks another triumph for O'Brien and Shinnick, who will now look to build on their momentum in the world of Irish racing.
As the crowd watched, Answer To Kayf ran a game race, claiming a two-and-a-quarter-length victory from Gavin Cromwell's Yeah Man and Ian Donoghue-trained Dunboyne. O'Brien praised Shinnick's ride, stating that his jockey gave the horse "a super ride" after initially being handed a five-day suspension.
O'Brien also expressed his gratitude to owner Denis O'Connor, saying that winning at Navan was a special moment for him and his partner. The trainer acknowledged that racing can be tough, but it brings out strong emotions in people, and he felt privileged to experience this with his team.
In related news, Gordon Elliott's Kalypso'chance made a statement on his second start over hurdles, winning the John Lynch Carpets & Flooring Monksfield Novice Hurdle at Navan. The chestnut horse showed improved form after being upped in grade and accounting for Paul Nolan's The Big Clubman by a length and a quarter.
Elliott attributed Kalypso'chance's success to his ability to travel well, stating that the horse was "happy" as he ran with his head down. The trainer also expressed optimism about the horse's future, suggesting that he could go further than two and a half miles and potentially start racing at Naas soon.
Answer To Kayf's victory marks another triumph for O'Brien and Shinnick, who will now look to build on their momentum in the world of Irish racing.
i had no idea what was going on at first but then it got really intense and exciting!! did anyone else watch that? i think i need to learn more about horse racing now 
what's the deal with all these trainers and owners? like, how do they even get started in this sport?
! 9 years on from that initial question and they're still killing it in the racing scene. Terence O'Brien's got a real knack for finding hidden gems, and John Shinnick's ride was pure magic 
. It's amazing how much experience can make all the difference - Answer To Kayf went from a novice chasing experience to a winner, and it's awesome to see! 
what makes the horses run so fast? do they have special shoes or something?
its like they're unstoppable! i was watching the Navan Handicap Chase live and that final stretch had me on the edge of my seat 
anyway, i'm loving how well O'Brien's team is doing right now. and kudos to Gordon Elliott too, Kalypso'chance is looking like a star! 
maybe we'll see more of these talented horses at Naas soon? 
I gotta say, this racing news is all about the trainers and jockeys being super genuine and humble, you know? Like, Terence O'Brien's just happy that his horse ran well and he's giving credit to John Shinnick for a sick ride 
. And it's awesome to see Gordon Elliott hyping up his new horse Kalypso'chance - I mean, who doesn't love a good comeback story? 
The way these trainers talk about the emotional highs and lows of racing is also really cool - it shows that they're not just in it for the win, but genuinely passionate about the sport 
. Anyway, it's always exciting to see what these talented riders and trainers come up with next 
. Can't we talk about something else? Like, Answer To Kayf got lucky, big deal! Anybody can ride a horse into winning if they get a good jockey and a good start. And what's up with all the weight claims and stuff? It's like they're trying to make it out to be more than it is... 3lb for riding is nothing, btw 
.
. And can we talk about the jockey's suspension for five days? That's just not right, man! It's like they're trying to stifle his talent. 
! John Shinnick's ride was pure magic 
! i mean, 9 yrs old & still killing the game 
! gordon elliot's horse looks super happy & confident 
. They seem like nice people too - they're grateful for their jockey and owner and all that.
. I've never really thought about that before, but maybe it's more important than just running fast?
. I mean, his trainer Terence O'Brien must be over the moon, and that John Shinnick jockey is a genius on horseback - 3lb for riding him? That's huge 
. And can we talk about how much heart this horse has? He's been around the block a few times, sixth in his last run, but still manages to outclass those others like Yeah Man and Dunboyne 
! I'm all about that Irish racing vibes right now 
I mean, 9-year-old horse beating all those others? that's like me still gaming with my old mate at 40 
navan bar one is defo bringing its A game this season gotta give props to O'Brien & Shinnick for the sick ride John's got some skills 
that Kalypso'chance horse tho? Elliott's on fire 