Trainer Charles Byrnes and Jockey Davy Russell combined to land a treble in Roscommon Races this evening in what is being described as a “Betting Coup” which could cost bookies millions.
Picture Credit: Roscommon Racecourse
The three horses involved War Anthem, Mr Smith and Top Of The Town had not shown much form in recent meetings and were priced at 16/1, 14/1 and 12/1 respectively in the betting markets this morning. To put the figures into context – a €1 bet on three horses to win would have returned €3,315!
Throughout the day they were backed heavily, the odds shortened and two of the horses went to post as favourites.
War Anthem, who had started the day at 16/1 won the 6:40pm Paul Byron Shoes sponsored two mile Maiden Hurdle for five-year-olds and older at a price of 6/1.
Shortly after 7:10pm Mr Smith won the J.F.Hanley sponsored two and a half mile handicap hurdle. He went off as the 7/4 favourite – in from the morning price of 12/1.
At 8:10pm the eyes of the Racing world fixed on Roscommon and Top Of The Town duly obliged, winning the Class Grass sponsored extended two mile seven Handicap Hurdle as the 5/4 favourite.
War Anthem and Mr Smith are both owned by the Byrnsey Boys Syndicate while Top Of The Town is owned by Mrs M R Sheahan.
Charles Byrnes credited the booking of former Champion Jockey Davy Russell and a slight change in training regime in making the difference this evening.