Byrnes trio register Sligo double

Trainer Charles Byrnes and sons jockey Philip and owner Cathal Byrnes combined for Sligo doubles today as well-backed I Am Spider Man (9/4f) landed the Kevin Egan Cars Commercial Vehicle Range Handicap Hurdle.

I Am Spider Man's only previous success came at Sedgefield in October 2022 and while beaten ten times subsequently, had been badly hampered when finishing ninth at Ballinrobe last month.

Rider Byrnes, fresh from winning today's opener on Kendancer confidently improved I Am Spider Man from rear-division to lead approaching the last as they beat Hypersonic Missile by six lengths.

Trainer Charles Byrnes revealed "the horses are in great form and luckily Philip was able to ride them today as, against my advice, he recently appealed against an eight-day (careless riding) suspension, but won.”

He added “this horse was brought to a standstill at Ballinrobe when a horse fell in front of him and Philip didn't abuse him afterwards.

"He said he was lucky to stand up at the second and it took him a while to find his stride but he was off a nice mark. He has the same mark over fences so that's another option."

Quotes from Mark Nunan