ANDREW Shaw has been appointed Senior National Hunt Handicapper with the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board.

From Newbridge, Co Kildare, Shaw succeeds the late Noel O’Brien who he worked alongside since 1995.

Prior to joining the Turf Club, Shaw managed Brownstown Stud on the Curragh and he worked as a stud groom at Spendthrift Farm in Kentucky where he looked after Seattle Slew, Affirmed, J O Tobin and Raise A Native.

Known to friends as ‘Sandy’, Shaw graduated from the Irish National Stud’s thoroughbred breeding course.

Peter Allen, chairman of the IHRB and senior steward of the INHS Committee, said: “Andrew and the late Noel O’Brien were an excellent team and much respected by all in the sport for their wise judgement, analytical minds and handicapping skills. I wish Andrew well in his new role.”

Shaw himself has said: “I am delighted to accept the role, although not in the circumstances I would have wished following the untimely departure of my close friend Noel.

“I look forward to working with all of the stakeholders within the racing industry at home and overseas and also to the challenge of continuing the good work performed by my predecessor.”