Browne off the mark in Ireland

Amateur rider Barry Browne rode his first winner on the racecourse proper in Ireland, to add to a couple achieved cross-channel, when getting On The Shannon (10/1) home by a neck from favourite Just Get Cracking in the Thoroughbred County Novice Handicap Chase at Naas.

Many still held chances over the final couple of fences in this two and a half miler, and there were just six and a half lengths covering the first five home.

"He was a very big weak horse last year. I was hoping he'd strengthen up a good bit over the summer and he did but I thought he might get even stronger," said winning trainer Oliver McKiernan.

"Hopefully he'll improve again and he'll get three miles onwards. We're hoping someday he fits into some of the big handicaps.

"Barry gave him a grand ride considering it was the first time he rode him. He can take a bit of a tow early on but he doesn't do anything too bad. He carries his head low and is a real chasing type. I like that in a horse.

"He was a bit unlucky at Leopardstown last Christmas when he took it up too far out and we could head back there if he improves a little bit."

(GC & EM)