Bookies delighted as 50/1 shot Carrickboy lands Byrne Plate

Carrickboy made just about every yard to land the Byrne Group Plate at the Cheltenham Festival.

Venetia Williams’ charge finished sixth in the race last year but was to go off at odds of 50-1 in the hands of Liam Treadwell.

He rode an excellent race from the front but trainer David Pipe appeared to hold the upper hand as his pair of Matuhi and favourite Ballynagour were lining up in behind to challenge.

However, Treadwell had conserved a little energy and pushed on again with only Vino Griego pursuing him.

The runner-up tried his best but Carrickboy proved too strong, winning by a length and a half from Vino Griego with Tartak third and top weight Hunt Ball staying on for fourth.

There was drama before the off, too, as leading fancy Cantlow was withdrawn at the start after bleeding from the nose while Mad Moose refused to jump off.