Bookies hit hard by Byrnes/Russell treble

Charles Byrnes and Davy Russell combined to land a treble in Roscommon - with all three horses heavily backed at morning prices. War Anthem got the ball rolling in the two mile maiden hurdle for five-year-olds and older. He was available at 16/1 in early trading before going off at 6/1.

Next up came Mr Smith in the two and a half mile handicap hurdle. A morning price of 12/1 was obliterated as he went off the 7/4 favourite.

With related liabilities building up, it was no surprise that Top Of The Town was returned the 5/4 favourite for the extended two mile seven handicap hurdle. He had been 12/1 in morning skirmishes.

Paddy Power spokesman Paul Binfield said: "We were on to the treble quite early in the morning but, even so, we paid out well into six figures between the three of them.

"Well done to Charles on a well-orchestrated gamble!"

Charles Byrnes said of the treble: "After Galway we needed it. I did my brains in at Galway with Sea Light and Crystal Pearl.

“That's my first treble. It's just the way it happened. I wouldn't say I planned it.

“I had a bunch of horses come into form and I put them in together. It was the last couple of weeks I was able to put it together. Long-term it would be impossible to plan.”

Top Of The Town was settled in mid-division for his assignment before moving closer from the fifth last. Coming into the straight he loomed large behind the leaders and improved to lead after three out.

Russell kept him up to his work and there was plenty in the tank on the run-in as the pair forged on by five lengths.

The places were filled by Russian Roulette (6/1), Ocean Glandore (8/1) and 11/2 chance Sir Jack Yeats

The Stewards enquired into the apparent improvement in form of War Anthem, trained by C.Byrnes, placed first, compared with its recent form. Evidence was heard from the trainer concerned who stated that his animal was ridden at Listowel on the 6th June and Limerick on the 3rd July by G.B. Noonan, an inexperienced claiming rider. He commented that his charge had jumped big and deliberate at Listowel and had never taken a hold of the bit. At Limerick he felt that the rider was weak on his charge who was unable to keep him in contention. He further added that the booking of D.N. Russell in addition to a complete change of training routine by easing off in his exercise combined with the fact that his horses had been out of form but showed signs of improvement in recent work outs had all contributed to todays improvement. He further informed the Stewards that this animal had a history of bursting blood vessels but to his knowledge had not done so on the racecourse. Evidence was also heard from Andrew Shaw, Turf Club National Hunt Handicapper, who stated that War Anthem was tailed off in two previous hurdle races and despite winning a weak contest today, abnormal improvement had been shown. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the explanation offered and took no further action.

The Stewards enquired into the apparent improvement in form of Mr Smith (GB), trained by C.Byrnes, placed first, as compared with its previous run at Killarney on the 14th July 2016. Evidence was heard from the trainer concerned who stated that his charge was unable to go with the pace in this two mile one furlong contest and jumped deliberately before losing interest when becoming detached from the main contenders. He added that P.T. Enright who rode Mr Smith (GB) at Killarney had suggested that this animal was ungenuine and could benefit from the application of blinkers, be ridden more prominently and race over a longer distance. Today he did as suggested and felt that his horses had improved in their overall health in recent weeks, all of these factors contributing to this success. Evidence was also heard from Andrew Shaw, Turf Club N.H. Handicapper, who stated that this animal was running off a rating of 83 having been dropped 2lbs for the Killarney run. He also commented that blinkers were applied today and the animal was racing over a longer distance. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the explanation and took no further action.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson