Ballybrittas (right) © Photo Healy Racing
There was plenty of wind but not much rain at Limerick and, with several withdrawals due to the ground riding good, a depleted field of 11 lined up in the Garrynacurra Stud (C & G) Maiden Hurdle.
The Hardy Eustace colours of Lar Byrne were carried to success by Ballybrittas (5/2) who took over in front on the approach to two out and fended off the persistent challenge of Cascade Hall by three-parts of a length in the hands of James O'Sullivan.
The rangy son of Champs Eysees had won two point-to-points for Caroline McCaldin earlier in the year and was fifth on Rules debut in a Ballinrobe maiden hurdle in August.
Trainer Philip Rothwell said: "These are very famous colours and I'm delighted to have Lar on board. He came to me last year looking for a nice winter horse so we bought this horse in Doncaster. I don't think he is a superstar but I hope he will be better over a fence.
"We were opportunistic today as the race cut up significantly and we'll look for a handicap now, as I don't think he is up to novice company."
He added: "Lar is from over the road and is involved in another syndicated horse with me. To have these colours back racing is really special and we had a fresh set made, as Hardy's silks are with Sandra (Hughes) and are hugely sentimental.
"I actually remember Hardy Eustace going over to Cheltenham with blinkers on him going for a Champion Hurdle and I remember thinking 'what the hell is he doing running in this' and he won it!
"Lar loves racing but is away on holidays today. His family are great supporters of National Hunt racing."
Quotes from Tom Weekes
