Byrnes targets four-miler with Fury Charles Byrnes believes Fists Of Fury rubber-stamped his credentials for the Diamond Jubilee National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham following his fine effort in defeat at Leopardstown on Saturday. The eight-year-old chestnut has shown a good level of form since he was sent chasing this season, and only went down by half a length to Sir Des Champs in a Grade Two over an inadequate trip at the weekend. Byrnes is convinced a step up to four miles at the Cheltenham Festival on March 14 could now work in his favour. He said: "Fists Of Fury ran a very good race and was fine afterwards. "He likes that good to yielding ground - that would be when he is at his best. "That was a nice trial for Cheltenham. He'll go there a fresh horse as he won't be running before then. "He's not the quickest in the world by any means, but he jumps well and he stays - that's the main thing in a race like the four-miler at Cheltenham." The County Limerick handler's two big guns, Solwhit and Weapon's Amnesty, are sidelined for the season with respective ligament and tendon injuries. Byrnes is, however, confident both horses will make a full recovery. He added: "It's a shame they are both out of action, but I'd be hopeful they will both be back next season."
