Gary Carson
O'Brien doubles up as Queen wins Birdcatcher
Snow Queen, left, moves into the lead at Naas
© Photo Healy Racing
Joseph O'Brien landed a double on the card when Snow Queen took the featured Birdcatcher Nursery at Naas.
The Danehill Dancer filly edged a tight finish to land the spoils in the €40,000 contest for Aidan O'Brien.
O'Brien produced the 3/1 favourite to lead at the furlong pole and she battled well to gain a neck victory over Ballyorban
The runner-up had finished well on the rail while Muaanid who had proven a persistent foe to the winner inside the final furlong was just a short-head back in third.
The stewards had a look after Snow Queen came across the third horse slightly in the closing stages but the result stood after the enquiry.
The winner was having her first start in handicap company having chased home the impressive Viztoria in a Curragh listed contest last time.
"She won very well. She jumped and travelled and they went a good gallop which helped. I was probably in front too soon," said the winning rider.
"She's a filly we've always liked and she's starting to show on the track the ability she shows at home."