Colonel Maximus (Chris Hayes up) vindicated the promise shown in a couple of starts last year at two, to take the Coral.ie Best Price Guaranteed On All Irish Races Maiden at Limerick.

The grey stepped up nicely on his mid-field reappearance at the Curragh on the opening day last month.

Hayes in the Mrs Lesley Prendergast silks, was never far away, he led over a hundred yards out on the way to a two and a quarter length victory from market-leader A Likely Story

"He improved a lot from his Curragh run when he didn't get home on the testing ground that day," said Hayes of the winner, trained by the owner's husband Kevin.

"Provided he isn't crippled by the handicapper, he'll be a fun horse for the summer and will be better on better ground."

The Stewards interviewed L.F. Roche, rider of Dalton Highway concerning his use of the whip soon after the start of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that L.F. Roche was in breach of R10(4) by failing to give his mount time to respond to the whip and consequently suspended him for 1 raceday having taken his previous record into consideration.

(TW & EM)