Byrnes Festival contender is no Joke

Charles Byrnes has enjoyed Cheltenham Festival success in the past with the likes of Solwhit and Weapon’s Amnesty and the Limerick trainer is hoping to be represented again this year with I Started A Joke.

The Soldier Of Fortune gelding won on his debut under Rules at the Limerick Christmas meeting before sent off a well-backed 11/4 favourite when sixth (beaten less than four lengths) behind Colcannon in the Grade 2 Paddy Power Play Card INH Flat Race at the Dublin Racing Festival.

“Three weeks ago, it (the Cheltenham Bumper) didn't look a great race but all of a sudden it looks a fierce hot race, so we'll see about running I Started A Joke,” said Byrnes.

"He wasn't beaten too far the last day at Leopardstown, but we were disappointed. That form wouldn't be good enough, but we'll wait until Monday before making a decision regarding running him in Cheltenham.

"It is 50/50 he will run and if we are happy with him, he'll run. Most years I have runners at Cheltenham, but he is my only entry this year.”

Byrnes also gave an update on Shoot First who returned after a lengthy absence to win the valuable Betfair Stayers’ Handicap Hurdle at Haydock in November but fell on his latest start at Sandown last month.

“Shoot First wasn't right after his run the last day so we'll regroup with him and get him back again for maybe Punchestown."

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes