Trainer Pat Byrne ends winless streak

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – At his career peak, Pat Byrne came within one vote of being named the Eclipse Award-winning trainer of 1997. Twenty years later, with a stable just a fraction of the size it once was, Byrne won a race for the first time in more than a year when Run Tappy captured a Thursday maiden race on the Churchill turf.

“I’ve just been going at my own pace these last six or seven years, kicking along with the same people,” said Byrne, 61. “I’m fine. I’m pretty well set because of how I did years ago. Nobody needs to feel sorry for me.”

Before Run Tappy, Byrne had sent out 27 starters since his previous winner on Nov. 10, 2016. He is headed to Fair Grounds for the first time in nearly a quarter-century after wintering in Florida for many years.

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