Light Brigade came with a well-timed swoop to land the spoils in the Horse & Jockey Handicap Hurdle at Thurles.

The Charles Byrnes-trained gelding was making his first start since finishing mid-division in a very competitive Grade A contest at Fairyhouse in late November.

Jack Foley produced the 9/2 shot to lead going to the final flight in today's race, run over just shy of two miles, and he kept on well on the run-in to post a length-and-a-half win over Francois

"The better ground probably helped and he gave him a chance today as we were probably riding him a bit close. He came with the one run and gave him a beautiful ride - he won't be claiming 5lb for too long more,” said Byrnes.

"There could still be another handicap in him although he still has a long way to go to be as good as his siblings (five winners, including Grade 1 winner Colreevy).

"Patricia (McCarthy), the winning owner, is my sister."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)