Byrnes rides first professional winner

Seventeen year old Philip Byrnes, son of Charles Byrnes, partnered his first winner as a professional jockey today, steering the Cathal Byrnes trained Run For Oscar to win Killarney's BoyleSports Live Casino Handicap Hurdle.

Teenager Byrnes, riding his 14th career winner, was scoring on his sixth ride as a professional jockey and produced Run For Sol from mid-field to lead after the last and beat Line Out a length.

Following the race, trainer Cathal Byrnes, a brother of the winning jockey, reported “that's Philip's first win in the professional ranks so we're delighted. He turned professional a week ago and it is great to see him progressing with every ride.

“He has just been riding for us at the minute and will probably keep riding over hurdles for a while.”

He added “he ran well in Downpatrick the last day and the step up in trip was a benefit to him. We'll tip away in races like that now.

“I'm delighted for the owners (Top Of The Hill Syndicate), Run For Oscar won on the flat here last year and Killarney has been a lucky place for them.

Run For Sol carries the colours of storied Solwhit, winner of the 2013 Stayers Hurdle for the pair's father Charles Byrnes whose suspension from the Viking Hoard nobbling case ends on September 3.