Knockfierna lands the odds for Byrnes & Russell

The well supported 5/4 favourite Knockfierna landed the odds in the Grade 3 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Lombardstown Mares Novice Chase completing a double on the card for her trainer/jockey combination of Charles Byrnes and Davy Russell.

The 6yo daughter of Flemensfirth was having her third start over fences today having won her beginners chase last time out at Wexford. Mayo Mystique for Philip Rothwell and Declan Bates attempted to make all until they crashed out at the third last leaving Knockfierna in front.

She kept on well from there and easily held off the challenge of Shop Dj (5/2) for Peter Fahey and Davy Condon by four and a quarter lengths.

Winning trainer Charles Byrnes said afterwards: "I had to twist Davy’s arm to get him to ride her as he was thinking of riding the second (Shop Dj), but I was pleased that he was on board.

"She was a bit clumsy early on but was grand after that and she will go for a Grade 2 Chase at Limerick over Christmas now."