Emmett McNamara brought Dark Passion through well in the centre of the track to win going away in the Paul Byrne Memorial Handicap over seven furlongs at Naas.

The three-year-old gelding, running in the first colours of Sean Jones, was sent off 15/8 favourite and gave trainer Ger Lyons a Naas double. Crimson Sunrise took the runner-up berth at 7/2 for Dermot Weld and Leigh Roche, a length and a half back. The gamble of the race was Heavy Weight for Jim Bolger and Kevin Manning, 9/2 in the morning down to an SP of 2/1, however he came in third.

“The thought coming here was to bring him or Greek Canyon, but this lad is a bit bigger and scopier. With the weight, we’ll leave Greek Canyon to Wednesday over six furlongs,” trainer Ger Lyons said.

“We have an ex-champion three pound claimer in the yard so decided to make use of him. The system is working well. Gary (Carroll) is riding most of them and the aim is to get rid of Emmett’s three pound claim.

“We’ve always liked this horse and thought he would get one mile two furlongs and the idea is to step him up. He’s so laidback and will probably go a mile and two next time.” Mount Meru also representing Ger Lyons and Sean Jones, finished last of the five runners.

Michael Graham