Byrnes on weather watch for Alainn

Charles Byrnes will only let dual Grade One-winning chaser Cailin Alainn take her chance over hurdles at Thurles on Thursday if the ground eases significantly.

The eight-year-old proved a revelation last season, and was on a six-race winning streak before she tipped up twice at Cheltenham.

She holds an entry in the James Nicholson Wine Merchant Champion Chase at Down Royal next month and Byrnes says he would not be against taking on more experienced rivals first time out.

“At the moment she definitely won’t be running at Thurles (Vendee Hurdle) unless the ground eases considerably,” said the County Limerick trainer.

“She’s also entered in the James Nicholson but the ground would have to have ease in it for her to run there too.

“She has gone on good ground before and it is not a problem but I wouldn’t be keen on running her on fast ground first time out.

“She won first time out last year though so she can be ready first time. It’s great to still have her in training as she could have been sent to stud after winning all those races.

“She’s schooling fine now at home. After her second fall, and they were both pretty nasty, she was sent away for some extensive schooling and I’ve been assured that she’ll never fall again!

“I wouldn’t be scared of sending her back to Cheltenham again. Her jumping had been fine beforehand.”