Rojuco Mac another for Byrnes & Bustin Charles Byrnes and Anthony Bustin combined for a second success at Limerick this Christmas, claiming the concluding Prestige Tarmacadam INH Flat Race with Rojuco Mac. Narrowly beaten by Ballyfad, who impressed at Leopardstown on St Stephen's Day, when last seen at Punchestown, the Soldier Of Fortune five-year-old was expected to deliver this afternoon and was sent to post the 5/6 favourite (from 2s early). Held up in rear, he made good headway on the outer approaching the straight and while getting to the front with less than two furlongs to go, needed to dig deep in the closing stages to fend off the effort of Looking For Eight (5/2), with three-quarters of a length between them at the line. The front pair drew 11 lengths clear of Timesareachanging (4/1 from 14s) in third. "He was beaten by a good horse the last day an, who knows, he might have been up against a good one again today. The two of them have gone a nice bit clear," Byrnes reflected. "He's a homebred. John McMahon and Eric have had horses with me nearly from the very start, and it's great to give them a winner again. "I'm not sure what we will do with him now. He may go jumping." Byrnes and Bustin also won the bumper at Greenmount Park on St Stephen's Day, striking with 33/1 outsider Never Late. STEWARDS REPORTS The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident in the straight involving Line Speed, ridden by Mr H. Lillingston, Looking For Eight (FR), ridden by Mr P.W. Mullins, and Timesareachanging, ridden by Mr A.P. Ryan, where it appeared it got tight for a few strides. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted. Additional reporting by Alan Magee
