'Compliant' mare completes double for the Byrnes'

After Kendancer in the first, Metersandmasks (9/1) completed a double for Cathal and Philip Byrnes when landing the BoyleSports Mares Maiden Hurdle.

Held up towards rear early, and racing a bit keenly in the hands of the latter, the daughter of Shirocco settled better when allowed to stride on going out on the final circuit.

She was pursued by Something Sweet after turning for home but held that one’s challenge by two and a quarter lengths.

Third at Wexford over two miles on her previous outing, the winner was making the breakthrough on her fourth start over hurdles.

Winning trainer Cathal Byrnes said: “That’s brilliant — it’s both myself and Philip’s first double. She really jumped for fun out there and good ground has really brought about improvement in her as we saw the last day.

“She’s a nice filly and is aptly named for the times we are living in.

“She stays well and just didn’t handle Galway at all. I’m delighted for the owners involved (Pauline and John Twiss), a family from Kerry and Mayo so it’s great for them to get a winner up here as well.

“We’ll see what she gets (handicap mark) after that and look to see what’s in the programme for her.”

Quotes from Alan Magee