Byron lands some nice bets The Harry Rogers trained Byron Beauty landed some nice bets, as she got up close home to win the opener at Tipperary, the McGrath Oil Claiming Race. Without a win in twenty-six starts before today (was placed ten times), the eight-year-old daughter of Byron was available at 25/1 this morning, opening on-course at 16's, before going off an 11/1 chance. Settled towards rear by Pat Smullen, she made good progress on the outer approaching the straight. She was ridden to challenge with over a furlong to go, and hit the front in the closing stages, going on to prevail by a short head. Harvey Specter (4/1) had to settle for second second under Gary Carroll for Ger Lyons, while My Painter (7/1) was a length and a half back for trainer/rider Denis Hogan. The Ice Meister was sent off the 5/2 favourite (from 3's) and he finished a further half a length back in fourth Colin Keane for Ger Lyons. Rogers, who lost seven time winner Giant's Quest at Leopardstown yesterday, said afterwards: "That was a long time coming. She has ability but getting her to do it is the problem and I thought she was done at the line." After the race The Ice Meister was claimed by Mrs P. Doyle for E10,000, Tennesse Waltz was claimed by David Marnane for E8,000, and Harvey Specter was claimed by P. Sweeney for E15,000 Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
