Ballingarry county Limerick trainer, Charles Byrnes saddled the first two home in the featured Aer Rianta Shannon Handicap Chase at Tipperary yesterday, headed home by Beacon Lane, who carried his colours to a narrow victory over stable-companion Super Franky.
In a thrilling finish in which less than two lengths separated the first four home, Conor O'Dwyer, aboard the well-backed Beacon Lane supported from 6-1 to 7-2, looked beaten when Nicholls Cross arrived to lead briefly approaching the penultimate fence. A mistake here, though, cost the favourite dearly.
Then it was the turn of Little-K to sweep to the head of affairs on the run-in but he then bumped into Beacon Lane losing his action briefly on the run-in. All of a sudden, Beacon Lane was back in front and he then held on by a rapidly diminishing short head from his eye-catching stablemate Super Franky.
'I don't think Beacon Lane has any business going to Galway. We'll leave him off and maybe bring him back for the Denny Gold Medal Chase over two-and-a-half miles at Tralee,' said Byrnes, who was more upbeat about the runner-up, who would have upset the gamble in another stride, 'He was in his box for nearly six months after picking up an injury. He ran well there and he'll probably go for the Plate next.'
Favourite backers started the session in winning style sparked off with the victory of Aidan O'Brien's $2million dollar purchase Dietrich. Sent off at prohibitive odds of 2-9, the daughter of Storm Cat scored with a little up her sleeve for Paul Scallan from Eddie Lynam's newcomer, Patinham.
'She's very fast and Paul (Scallan) gave her lovely confidence by holding her up rather than blazing from the start. She may run in the Molecomb Stakes next month (Aug.4th) at Goodwood next week,' said the Ballydoyle trainer.
Sheika Hassa, eldest daughter of Sheikh Mohammad, was not present to see her colours carried to victory aboard Fantasia Girl, her first horse under the care of John Oxx who scored with the minimum of fuss under Niall McCullagh.
After the three-year-old Caerleon filly sprinted clear from the two furlong pole to score very easily, assistant Jim 'Slim' O'Neill said, ' Niall said she is still very green but we think there is further improvement in her. She may run in a ten furlong conditions race at the Curragh next Saturday.'
Irish Lady, owned by the Shamrock Street Syndicate, headed by freelance racing journalist Dave Keena, scored for Andrew Lee and Colm O'Donoghue in the seven furlong fillies handicap.
'All six of the syndicate members are very enthusiastic and they'll enjoy another day out at Galway, I'm sure' said Andrew Lee, after his filly forged into the lead inside the final furlong to defeat market leader Festina Famosa.
Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh captured the honours when combining to record a double via Bart's Choice and Hasty Native.
Speaking after Hasty Native responded gamely to a determined drive from the former champion, Mullins said, 'She may run in the GPT Handicap on the flat at Galway on Monday evening before going over hurdles on the Saturday in the Oranmore Handicap Hurdle.'
..
