Byrnes raider 12-1 for Cesarewitch after emphatic win

There was an Irish 1-2 in the marathon two and a quarter-mile Turners Cesarewitch Trial Handicap at Newmarket on Saturday, but eight lengths separated the pair at the line, as the Charles Byrnes-trained Reverend Hubert ran out an emphatic winner from Henry de Bromhead's Chutzpal.

The seven-year-old, who finished eighth in the Cesarewitch last year, was quickly shortened into a best-priced 12-1 (from 33-1) for this season's £175,000 handicap on October 11 - a race won by Byrnes three years ago with Run For Oscar.

Ridden patiently by Harry Davies early on, he made steady headway and could be called the winner someway out, increasing his advantage running past the bushes and on the uphill run towards the line to make good on his market confidence, having been backed into 13-2 from 9-1.

Rated 79 on the Flat before Saturday's impressive victory, Byrnes's son Cathal was in attendance on the Rowley Mile and said he was hopefully the son of Zoffany would now get into this year's big race under a penalty. 

"He ran a mighty race last year, but the ground just went a bit slow for him that day. We thought Newmarket could be a track (to suit him). It is an unbelievable track out there," he said.

"Sometimes it takes a mile to wind him up, he can take a while to get to top speed because he doesn't quicken immediately.

"I'm delighted for connections, they only have a few horses in the yard and I suppose we'll have to come here now in three weeks."

Byrnes later added: "He really likes good ground. Harry got him in a great position to be able to wind it up. I'd say it will just be him coming over here next month and Harry said he loved riding him so I suppose we will keep him on now!"

After the official eight-race card at Newmarket came to a close on Saturday, there was more action just around the corner, as twelve Newmarket trainers' went to post for the annual trainers' charity race.

Last year, the event raised £89,196 for its charity partners, The Newmarket Housing Trust and Racing Welfare, and the same charities have been supported again this year.

There was drama before many of the runners had exited the parade ring, as Portoro reared up and unshipped Martin Dunne from the saddle just as the pair were about to head onto the course, however both came away unscathed and took part in the one-mile contest under a flag start.

It was Tony Carson and his mount Darlo Lady, considered the outsider of the field as a 33-1 chance by the on-course bookmakers, who cut out the early running, but under a patient ride, Lord Normandy (5-2) came from last to first under Tom Clover. The son of Le Havre flew past his 11 rivals down the centre of the course to win by two lengths. Darlo Lady stayed on to finish second, with Coolree (2-1) and Lemos de Souza coming home in third.