Redwood Queen a bonus for Byrnes family

Redwood Queen showed her appreciation for better ground when winning the ITBA Northern Region Award Mares Handicap Hurdle in Downpatrick.

Philip Byrnes did the steering and she travelled for him to improve into third at the final flight. She was soon second and collared 25/1 shot Not May in the final 100 yards to prevail by half a length at 3/1. Hidden Land took third, some eight lengths further back.

Charles Byrnes said: "She loves that ground.

"She is very, very small, but she is absolutely brilliant to jump. Her heart is in the right place.

"After riding in the second race, he (Philip Byrnes) felt he was a bit too far back (on I Am Spider Man and I didn't think he was. I told him to ride this one the very same and he got it right.

"We didn't know anything about the bonus (€7,500 ITBA). My son (Cathal) owns her, so he will be happy!

"She will keep going over the summer and she will jump a fence as well."

Redwood Queen also won on better ground in Sligo last summer and in Cartmel the previous year.