'Team Byrnes' come out swinging with Sonnyboyliston Trainer Charles Byrnes and jockey son Philip Byrnes won with heavily-backed ex-top Flat horse Sonnyboyliston in Listowel’s Supporters Club Maiden Hurdle today, with the pair being tight-lipped following Wednesday’s controversial Wexford race. Twenty-one-year-old Byrnes is facing serious criticism and an IHRB investigation following Wednesday’s viral fall from Redwood Queen but, today, bounced back with a skilled ride on hurdling debutante Sonnyboyliston — which was backed on-course from 6/4 to 4/6f. Winner of the 2021 Irish St Leger, the lightly-raced eight-year-old reappeared for trainer Byrnes in October and today jumped soundly and battled well to beat more experienced Encosta and Dream Diamond into second and third-places. Controversial figure Byrnes senior wouldn’t add to comments made to the Irish Field this morning but regarding Sonnyboyliston said “he had schooled very well and jumped very well today. “His owner (Patrick M O’Shea) is from Dublin-side and the reason I got him is he had leg trouble, I wouldn’t have him otherwise. I have him a good while but have been nursing him along. “We’ve no big expectations and, as long as he stays sound, hopefully can keep progressing. “Only for the course putting on the water yesterday, he wouldn’t have been running.”
