The Charles Byrnes trained Black Warrior claimed his second win in as many months when landing the coral.ie Novice Hurdle at Limerick today, under a well judged ride from Davy Russell. Consharon Boy was an absentee from the race due to the change in going and while four lined up, Master Of Verse went well clear of his rivals from an early stage. Jumping the third last Russell moved Black Warrior into an unpromising second place and seems to have plenty to do to catch the leader.

However Russell’s mount (a winner in Clonmel in May) gradually closed the gap with Russell never having to ask serious questions, before eventually moving to the front on the run-in, for a two and a half lengths win over Master Of Verse, with 14 lengths and 25 back to High Nellie and Crosshue Boy

Afterwards Byrnes stated “it didn’t look likely at one stage but the runner-up probably ran a bit free.

“It was a good run as the second is probably a good horse.

“He’ll probably go for the two and a half mile novice hurdle at Galway and he doesn’t owe anyone anything now: he’ll come up a hill after that!”

By Tom Weekes