Charles Byrnes targeting major prizes for Paul Byrne's eyecatching new purchase despite massive rise in weights

Ground will dictate whether Charles Byrnes lets the progressive Brave Troop take his chance in next month's Newbury Hurdle after he was handed a colossal 21lb rise by the British handicapper following an effortless victory at Navan last month.

Since that win the six-year-old has been purchased by Paul Byrne, who is renowned for targeting valuable contests across the Irish Sea due to the past exploits of Slate Lane and The Shunter, who scooped valuable pots at Kelso, Cheltenham and Haydock for the owner in recent seasons.

Brave Troop is a four-time winner on the Flat, reaching a rating of 82 on turf, and started off for Byrnes in a handicap hurdle at Thurles in November off a mark of 95.