AN old-fashioned coup of which Barney Curley would be proud was landed on Tuesday evening when three horses, all trained by Charles Byrnes and ridden by Davy Russell, won at Roscommon. All three were backed at double-figure prices before racing and many clued-in punters joined in the gamble as events unfolded.

War Anthem, no better than 10th on any of his last three starts, landed the first leg of the treble when winning the maiden hurdle at 6.40pm. As big as 16/1 at morning prices, he was returned at 6/1 and scored by over three lengths.

Half an hour later the duo struck again with Mr Smith in a division of a low-grade handicap hurdle. The starting price of 7/4 was far lower than the 12/1 available in the morning.

With liabilities mounting bookmakers took steps to shorten the price of the third Byrnes-Russell runner, Top Of The Town in another handicap hurdle. Having been 14/1 at morning prices, the gelding went off at 5/4 and won comfortably.

Those who were on the three horses at early prices can expect combined odds of over 3,300/1 while even those forced to take the starting prices have won over 40 times their stake on successful trebles.

Byrnes and Russell have teamed up to deadly effect many times over the years. Last December they combined to win two races at Tramore with Rosie Alice and Cyprian Prince, both of which were heavily backed. They have enjoyed success at the highest level too, notably with Cheltenham winner Weapons Amnesty.

However, not all their well-backed horses win. Just last week at the Galway Festival, Byrnes and Russell failed to collect with the well-backed Crystal Pearl and Sea Light, the latter twice letting down his supporters.

Talking to the media at Roscommon, Byrnes said: "After Galway we needed it. I did my brains in at Galway with Sea Light and Crystal Pearl."

Asked how long he had been planning the apparent coup, Byrnes said: "It's just the way it happened. I wouldn't say I planned it. I had a bunch of horses come into form and I put them in together. It was the last couple of weeks I was able to put it together. Long-term it would be impossible to plan."

VIDEO: WATCH THE THREE CHARLES BYRNES HORSES DO THE BUSINESS

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