Blue strikes for Byrnes on handicap debut Blue Train justified good support when making a winning start in handicap company for Charles Byrnes at Clonmel tonight. The Blue Point gelding had shown some promise in maiden hurdles over the winter and went to post a 5/2 shot this evening, having been as big as 7/1 this morning. Philip Byrnes produced his mount to dispute two from home and he stuck his head in front on the run-in to secure a length victory over Market Ready. "He is a fine-sized horse but apparently isn't bred to get two miles. The ground isn't bad today, there's no depth to it and actually he ran very well the first day for us,” said Byrnes senior. "We were happy with his handicap mark off that Fairyhouse run because he had run too free then, so had the hood on to settle him. He was a bit disappointing on heavy ground afterwards but on this first run (at Fairyhouse), we thought he had every chance today. "His owner John Lane, a farmer from Bartlemy near Fermoy, has been with me on-and-off for a long, long time and is involved with his sister and a friend. They had a few quid on each-way, but I don't bet at all. "The four-year-olds got 8lb today and he'll tip away in more handicaps now." (Quotes by Tom Weekes)
