Byrnes lands Ladbrokes Hurdle for third year running

Charles Byrnes landed an incredible hat-trick in the Ladbrokes Hurdle at Leopardstown as Thosedaysaregone lunged late to grab the lions share of the €150,000 prize.

The Limerick handler had taken the last two renewals of the race with Off You Go and struck once again in the valuable two-mile event.

There were a host of horses in with a chances going to the final flight and You Raised Me Up gained a narrow advantage on the run-in.

He was trumped close home by Thosedaysaregone, however, who was produced with a late charge by Kevin Brouder to gain a length-and-a-quarter success. Golden Jewel eventually took second at the line, a nose in front of You Raised Me Up.

The 7/1 winner landed a substantial gamble having been a 20/1 shot this morning.

Byrnes said:- “Dromlease Express won the race 16 years ago, ridden by Johnny Allen who is now champion jockey in Australia, and Off You Go won it the previous two years. They are all two and a half mile horses and that’s what you need for the race.

“I was going to go to Ascot but the English handicapper stuck him up 6lb for no reason so I said I’d stay at home then.

“I thought if he was close enough coming to the last that he would be hard to beat. He loves nice ground as well which was a plus.

“We’ll consider something like the Coral Cup and there is a big bonus there now so that would twist my arm towards that race.

“He’s already won a chase so he can mix it in the future with handicap chases and hurdles.”

Betfair went 20/1 for the Coral Cup and 25/1 for the County Hurdle.

(Quotes by Alan Magee)