Leopardstown double for Roscarbery jockey Brian Hayes
ROSCARBERY professional claiming jockey Brian Hayes, who is currently riding at his brilliant best, and performing superbly, for a variety of trainers all over Ireland, scored a magnificent double, at the big Christmas Leopardstown Festival meeting, at the concluding day on Thursday last.
Wexford trainer Colm Murphy availed of his valuable services on Glam Gerry, in the opening 2ml 5f handicap chase, where Brian duly did the business by eight lengths from Scaverger Lad. Having made mistakes earlier on Hayes never panicked, and slowly but surely began to creep back into contention with two to jump. Racing to the last a great jump put the issue beyond doubt, as he kept on strongly to win easily.
In the 2ml 4f maiden hurdle, he was quite simply magnificent on the high class bumper horse, Star Neuville, for his retaining stable of John Joe Hanlon, from Bagnelstown, Co Carlow, making all the running against some high class opposition.
Hayes really excelled as he kicked for home before the long finishing straight, and kept on really well under a powerful drive from the saddle, to hold the hot well touted favourite, Vesper Bell and Ruby Walsh by two lengths.
It was a performance that clearly delighted the winning trainer, who enthused: "We knew there would be no pace, but Brian seized control of the race and dictated to suit himself. He is without doubt the best seven pound claimer in the country and proved it there."
Hayes himself was clearly thrilled explaining: "I rode two winners here as an amateur, so it is proving to be my lucky track, and these colours have also been very lucky for me."
Hayes went to Tramore on Sunday and again excelled on Firebird Flyer in the 2ml 5f maiden hurdle, for Bandon trainer James Dullea, to complete a splendid week of success.
