Byrnes and Russell show how it's done again Charles Byrnes again showed there isn't a better yard to follow when the market indicates a strong fancy as 11/10 favourite Oscar Lantern landed a punt in the I.N.H. Stallion Owners European Breeders Fund Maiden Hurdle at Thurles. As big as 6/1 was the earliest price put against the name of Oscar Lantern when markets opened on this extended two and three quarter miler. It soon became apparent though that progression was obviously anticipated on his debut seventh placing at Cork from 73 days back. Connections certainly knew what they had on their hands as the Davy Russell-ridden Milan gelding threatened to give it away to Gran Cavallo (an impressive 'points' scorer 11 days ago) by making a final flight mistake. Not a bit of it though as Oscar Lantern was able to pick up again to rescue the situation, defeating Gran Cavallo by a length and a half. There was twenty three lengths back to Justforjames in third. "I didn't back him at all!" quipped Byrnes when asked in the aftermath as to what price he managed to secure. "He had a good run the first day at Mallow and it worked out a good race, and even apart from Bellshill there were plenty of other winners in the race (including earlier winner here, Nine Stitches)," further explained the Limerick handler. "He won and it's great but he's not good enough for novices and I imagine he'll go handicapping now." Owing to the low lying sun, the Stewards granted permission for the third last hurdle to be omitted. B.T. O'Connell, rider of Air Command trained by J.H. Culloty, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount stopped quickly. (TW & EM)
