Dazzlers scores for Byrnes & Splaine

On his first start in handicap chase company Dazzlers Day took the Friends Of Liam Hogan Handicap Chase for his trainer Charles Byrnes with David Splaine in the saddle.

The 6yo son of Lando won a handicap hurdle over the course in December and finished third on his last two efforts in novice chases.

Sent off the 11/4 second favourite today he was prominent throughout and went on from before the second last.

Despite a slow jump at the last he stayed on best on the run-in to beat the John Neilan trained, Martin Ferris ridden Cherrys Son (6/1) by a length and a half.

The front pair went thirteen lengths clear of the third placed horse who was Kilbane River for Joseph Quinn and Michael Darcy at 14/1. Ponmeword was sent off the 2/1 favourite (opened at 3/1 on-course) but he could only manage a disappointing fourth under Rob Jones for Eric McNamara.

Charles Byrnes said afterwards: “It’s great to win with a horse of his ability. We have no great expectations with him going forward."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes