Charles Byrnes breaks silence after son's last hurdle unseating
Philip Byrnes parted company with Redwood Queen, who was a market drifter before the race, handing victory to odds-on favourite Beacon Edge from Gordon Elliott's stable. Although on-course stewards took no action, the IHRB later stated that a senior official would review the matter.
In an interview with the Irish Times, Byrnes senior shared his perspective on what happened to the six-time winner, who will continue racing under new connections.
"He (Philip) was trying to get the mare to go in and pop it, because obviously she had the race won, and she came up out of his hands and blew him out of the saddle," he said. "There's no one hurting more than Philip about it."
A head-on replay revealed how the Cathal Byrnes-owned Redwood Queen lifted her feet high and jumped the obstacle before Philip Byrnes lost his stirrups and fell to the right, reports the Mirror.
The six-time scorer traded at 1.14 in-running, very short odds which summed up the likelihood of winning. Afterwards she was claimed by trainer Cian Collins for €6,000. A summary from the Racing post stated Redwood Queen was "going best 2 out, 2 lengths ahead when jockey unbalanced and unseated last."
The Wexford stewards, after viewing a recording of the race, decided against taking further action.
"We note the position of the raceday stewards following their review of the incident," remarked an IHRB spokesperson. "We can now confirm the matter is down for review by an IHRB senior racing official."
On Saturday trainer and jockey sent the 2021 Ebor winner Sonnyboyliston to the track for his hurdles debut.
Making only a third appearance for the stable, the eight-year-old went off at 4-6 after opening up at 6-4 on-course.
Philip Byrnes drove him out after Listowel's last jump and the pair reeled in leader Dream Diamond, with Encosta finishing well to split the pair.
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Irish Independent
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Irish Daily Mirror
a day ago
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Gordon Elliott left delighted as he strikes big at Galway Races
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Irish Daily Mirror
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Galway Races tips Wednesday: Robbie Power's selections for Galway Plate day
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