Campbo relishes step-up in trip

THE Charles Byrnes-trained Campbonnais, in the familiar colours of Michael O’Leary’s Gigginstown House Stud, relished the step-up to an extended three miles when landing the inaugural running of the Tote-sponsored Connacht National Handicap Chase at Roscommon yesterday.

Ridden by Philip Enright, the French-bred six-year-old powered through the rain-softened ground to beat Beneficial Spirit by four lengths, registering his second success over fences.

A delighted Byrnes stated: “I’d say it’s the first time I’ve been happy the mark given to one of my horses by the handicapper,” before adding, “He was disappointing in Killarney, on fast ground and in a better race. But the longer trip, slower ground and slower pace seemed to suit him today,