Blackwell Synergy another for the Byrnes

Not many horses got competitive in the three mile handicap hurdle but well-positioned Blackwell Synergy made the best way home and landed some tasty bets in the process.

The seven-year-old gelding trained by John Supple and ridden by Eddie O’Connell travelled nicely behind clear leader Joe Reed When the distress signals went up on that one after the third last, Blackwell Synergy powered his way to the front and had plenty in the tank in winning by four lengths.

He had been 25/1 this morning and was noted contracting to 14/1 before being returned at 10/1 here. Baresi came in second at 13/2, with 3/1 favourite Victrix Gale staying on from another parish for third, ahead of 16/1 chance Bottle Rattler

Owner Johnny Byrne said: “The ground suited him and he stayed forever. He’s only an average horse. My brother (Patsy Byrne) won the big race yesterday [White Star Line in the Kerry National]. He’s the ugly fella, I’m the good lookin’ one!”

Trainer John Supple added: “It’s a fabulous day for a Kerry man! It’s great to get a winner at my home track. It’s great for the two Byrne brothers to get two winners in two days.

“Things were a complete disaster in Killarney. Two fell in front of him and he got bumped. I thought he had a good chance, he had been working well, but I didn’t think he would do it the way he did it.

“We might try him in one of the competitive handicaps later in the year or if not he might go chasing.”

Eddie O’Connell explained how the race panned out: “It went pretty straightforward. He jumped out second and jumped great. I got a grand lead to the second last. He pricked his ears and didn’t do a lot from there as he idled his way home. He has plenty of ability this fella.”

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes