Byrne shines on Jim

Stephen Byrne gave Jim Will Fix It a fine front-running ride to land the opening maiden hurdle at Clonmel this afternoon.

The Seamus Roche-trained gelding was a warm order, backed at 7/4 this morning and sent off 5/4 favourite on course.

The gelding was asked for an effort before the final flight and stayed on well in the closing stages to post a two-and-a-half length winning margin over Saved By John who prevailed in a bunch finish for the minor honours.

The winner came into the race on the back of a fine effort to finish third in Grade Two company at Naas and is now set for the Punchestown festival meeting.

"He's tough and game and will be a better jumper on better ground," said trainer Roche afterwards.

"He'll go to Punchestown for something, all going well, and then have a break."

It was a third winner on the track for amateur Byrne, all of them on this gelding.

"Hopefully he'll get a few more opportunities now," added Roche of the 7lb claimer.

21-year-old Byrne, who hails from New Inn in Tipperary, has also ridden seven point-to-point winners and rides out for Edward O'Grady.

Gary Carson