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John O'Riordan

John O'Riordan

Byrnes times it to perfection on Queen

Fri 31st May 2024, 19:05

Redwood Queen with Charles and Philip Byrnes. Redwood Queen with Charles and Philip Byrnes.
© Photo Healy Racing

Philip Byrnes delivered Redwood Queen from the back of the field to get up in the dying strides to win the Butlerstown Handicap Hurdle at Tramore.

The seven-year-old mare, who had made a successful reappearance at Downpatrick earlier this month was registering a fourth career success.

Held up towards rear for the majority of this contest, Byrnes was content to look on, as Rushford made the running.

As Gwan Tadhg headed the long time leader at the second last, Redwood Queen moved fifth but still with plenty to do.

Keith Donoghue switched favourite Macinamillion switched to the outside of Gwan Tadhg at the final hurdle, coming through to lead inside the last 100 yards.

However, Redwood Queen finished fastest of all on the wide outside, mowing the jolly down at the death to get up to win by half-a-length.

Winning trainer Charles Byrnes said: Charles Byrnes: "They went a good gallop and she can be very free so he sat off them. She is progressive and is fierce genuine.

"She shouldn't go up much in the handicap for that and she'll keep going for the summer now, she needs good ground."

Additional reporting by Donal Murphy.

About John O'Riordan
John has worked for the Press Association since 2022. He also writes a weekly column for The Irish Field and is a regular contributor to the Irish Racing Yearbook. He has previously written for the Racing Post, Irish Examiner and Irish Daily Mirror. He has been involved in racing for over three decades; having experience as a syndicate member, sole owner and breeder.