New senior Irish handicapper Andrew 'Sandy' Shaw takes up the mantle

There is poignancy as well as excitement for Andrew 'Sandy' Shaw as he picks up the baton as senior National Hunt handicapper from his late friend and colleague for 23 years Noel O'Brien, who died in December.

Much of Shaw’s professional life has been building towards one day setting the weights for a prestigious handicap such as Monday’s €500,000 Boylesports Irish Grand National, and while there is no denying the 58-year-old’s anticipation, the occasion is inevitably touched by sadness.

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