CHRIS Hayes rode his first winner for trainer Joseph O'Brien when partnering Sweet Illusions to take the eight-furlong fillies’ maiden at Dundalk last Wednesday evening. Owned in partnership by Bronsan Racing and Justin Casse, the 17/2 chance, on her first start, battled well in the straight to pip Ger Lyons’ first-timer Heather, a 9/4 shot, by a neck. O’Brien’s 11/8 favourite Beautiful Affair finished sixth under Declan McDonogh.
Hayes made it two winners at the meeting when partnering Paul Flynn’s The Real Screamer to easily the widest-margin success of the day with a three-length win in the second division of the 10-furlong handicap. The Nathan Matthews-owned three-year-old was sent off at odds of 4/9 favourite and added to November’s win over the same course and distance when racing clear inside the final furlong to beat Pat Flynn’s Gallo Dell Ceilo, a 7/2 shot, in convincing fashion. Charles Byrnes’ Brave Troop added to last month’s success at Thurles when winning the two-mile handicap hurdle at Navan on Sunday.
Conditional jockey James Smith was again in the saddle as the 13/8 favourite led before the final hurdle and went clear to beat Gordon Elliott’s 18/1 chance Lygon Lad by an easy four lengths. Upcoming Fixtures Dundalk – Wednesday, December 18 (First race 4.25pm) Dundalk – Friday, December 20 (First race 4.
45pm) Thurles – Saturday, December 21 (First race 12.10pm) Down Royal – Thursday, December 26 (First race 11.40am) Leopardstown – .
