Byrnes makes new plans for Cheltenham reserves Charles Byrnes was without representation at this year’s Cheltenham festival as intended runners I Started A Joke and Munsif each narrowly missed the cut in their respective races, and the trainer has since found fresh targets. Runner-up in the prestigious Sash Windows Listed Handicap Hurdle at the Dublin Racing Festival in February, I Started A Joke had been a leading fancy for the County Hurdle earlier this month, only to miss the cut as first reserve. Similarly Munsif missed his target as first reserve for the Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap, although phlegmatic Byrnes reports “the ground at Cheltenham had actually gone too 'good' for I Started A Joke while the Fred Winter turned into a very competitive race, so it would have been hard for each of them.” Ex-Flat Munsif has since been beaten in a Navan maiden hurdle last Sunday but Byrnes adds “Munsif is going to Ascot on Sunday (for the £40,000 Sodexo Live! Juvenile Hurdle) having been a bit disappointing the last day. He needs a strongly-run race though and he's not getting that. He has a big weight at Ascot and Sean Bowen rides. "I Started A Joke will now go for the Grade 2 at Fairyhouse (2m4f Paddy Kehoe Suspended Ceilings Novice Hurdle)."
