Byrnes gives it a lash with Laish

The Charles Byrnes trained Wonder Laish landed a gamble at Leopardstown today in the Tote October Handicap, scoring under jockey Colm O’Donoghue.

The son of Halling was a 16/1 chance generally at 10am but was the subject of sustained support during the afternoon, before settling on-course as an 11/2 shot.

In the race, O’Donghue’s mount quickened clear in the straight and in the end easily beat Slaney Street by four and three parts of a length.

Byrnes later commented “Niall (McCullagh) said after the last day to bring him back to a mile-and-a-half and it's unfortunate for Niall as he was offered the ride but stuck with Rashaan as he had won on him in the past. We got a good replacement though!

“They went hard and he settled today. He's gassy and he doesn't like to be disappointed and just ran too free the last day and a mile-and-a-half was perfect.

“He's in at Naas but he'd have to carry a penalty so I'd say we'll go back jumping - he won a bad maiden hurdle in Listowel and I'd say he'll go back jumping now. and he'll go for a winners of one to start off with and we'll see how far he can go.”

Quotes from Gary Carson