Winner-winner for trainer and his claimer

Terence O'Brien recorded a Naas double with his two runners today, as the trainer's support of claiming rider John Shinnick further helped well-in Whiskeywealth (2/1f) secure the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle.

Whiskeywealth contested today's race rated 113 - which is 12lb below his chase mark, and with Shinnick claiming 7lb on his own second and final ride of the day, the eight-year-old won easily from Verbal Sparring .

The pair had earlier won with Cheltenham candidate Answer To Kayf and O'Brien said “in fairness Whiskeywealth was going to do that in Thurles the day he fell.

“Maybe we overfaced him going for the Dan Moore (Chase) - they maybe went a half-stride too fast, but I still think he ran below par that day.

“I still think he’s a better horse over fences. If you look at his form last year (when falling at Fairyhouse) he jumped the last a length in front of Dinoblue. Maybe she’d have beaten him but that was savage form and I still think there is a good prize in him.

“He might go for the Shamrock (Handicap Chase) at Gowran (on March 9).”

O'Brien and Shinnick have combined successfully seven times this season.

Quotes from Alan Magee