The former Richard Hannon runner, Synchronicity a 6,000 guineas purchase by his trainer Charles Byrnes at Tattersalls in October 2012, justified favouritism in the thurles.ie Maiden Hurdle under Davy Russell.

The addition of cheek-pieces certainly didn't do the High Chaparral gelding, second at Cork at the beginning of the year, any harm. After always being up there, he fought of Macnicholson (2nd favourite) from between the final two, to prevail by half a length at the finish.

Russell explained: "He wasn't in love with the ground but his speed jumping through the race helped him a lot."

Of course Byrnes was on the mark with his last runner too, Trifolium, at Grade One level, in the Arkle at Leopardstown last Sunday.

Mr A. McCurtin, rider of Mardar trained by John J. Walsh, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung in the back straight and the saddle slipped at the third last hurdle.

(TW & EM)