25-1 outsider Kayf has all the Answers for Shinnick

Despite being sent off a relatively unconsidered 25/1 outsider, Answer To Kayf looked a horse of some potential when readily winning the PwC (C&G) Maiden Hurdle at Limerick.

A beaten favourite when runner-up on his only point-to-point start, the Terence O'Brien trained seven-year-old finished third in a Cork bumper on his rules debut in April.

However, following an underwhelming hurdling debut when only mid division at Killarney the following month, the son of Kayf Tara was largely ignored in the market here.

Jumping two out, Answer To Kayf looked set to run a nice race in fourth place but he started to stay on from the back of that flight, moving second in pursuit of leader What's Up Darling approaching the last.

Gaining momentum after a good leap at that obstacle, he closed steadily under John Shinnick, leading over 100 yards out.

Terence O'Brien said: "He is well bred and we paid a good few quid (E35,000) at the 2019 Derby Sale but has had fierce trouble with his hocks. It has been very hard to get him right and while I didn't think we'd ever get him right, this year he seems to be sound.

"I thought he was going really well until a couple of weeks ago but his form dropped off a little bit so I hadn't a whole lot of confidence coming here.

"It looked a good race and while I'd have been happy if he finished in the first six, I suppose an ounce of breeding is worth a tonne of feeding.

"Two miles wouldn't have been his ideal trip but soft ground helped and this is a lovely surprise. He is a horse to hold on to as he isn't really for sale at this stage and it is great that he has eventually delivered - so many don't.

"We'll go down the novice hurdle route and he is a fine big chasing type who can hopefully pick up prizemoney over hurdles this season."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes.