Lantern defies long absence in mares Johny's Lantern landed a double for Charles Byrnes at Limerick today when running out an impressive winner of the mares hurdle. The daughter of Moscow Society was returning from a 595-day absence but there was no sign of ring rust as the 16/1 shot cruised into the lead turning for home. The well-backed Sligo Publican (10/1 into 9/2) tried to throw down a challenge before the last but could make no impression. Johny's Lantern quickened up smartly when asked by Rob Jones on the run-in to post a three-and-a-half length success. 2/1 favourite Little Green held every chance turning in but was beaten in third when crashing out at the last. The winner had not run since August 2010 when third in a Tramore bumper for Willie Mullins. "I thought she might just struggle against the more experienced jumpers but she has been going nicely," said Byrnes. "She keeps going and loves the good ground. I have her since last October and she was ready to run before Christmas but we didn't want to run her on soft ground. "She's closely related to Forpadydeplasterer." (GC & TW)
