Shabby Hill another in Punchestown for Byrnes It has been a lucrative 24 hours in Punchestown for Charles Byrnes as he saddled well-supported Shabby Hill to win the Matchbook 50:50 Graduation Series Maiden Hurdle after two winners at the track yesterday. Shabby Hill halved in price (16/1 to 8/1) this morning and further support saw his price contract to 9/2. The former point-to-point winner stepped up on a racecourse debut fifth over a similar trip at this venue in December. He tracked the leader Sticktothescript (who was gambled on at the track) three out and hugged the inner to enter the straight in the lead. Lyreen Og was the danger on the run-in as he challenged Shabby Hill, however, one crack was soon administered by Philip Byrnes and his mount responded to come in by three-quarters of a length from Lyreen Og (16/1 - 9/1). Kimi De Mai, the 4/6 favourite, was another three lengths away in third as Sticktothescript dropped to fourth. Trainer Byrnes said: “I’d say he’ll be a nice horse when he steps up to three miles. “We bought him in Goresbridge, he had won a point-to-point, and he got a few bits of injuries. That’s why he was late coming out. “I’m delighted for the owner Peter Mackin, who is from Newry. His patience has paid off, thank God. “He was maybe over-jumping if anything and I’d say jumping fences will maybe be his forte in time. “I don’t get carried away with them but I do think he’ll make a nice three-mile chaser.” Additional reporting by Gary Carson
