Former bumper performer Pro Bono gained a first win today at Dundalk, landing the concluding Irishinjuredjockeys.com Handicap (div II) for owner/trainer Paddy Hayes and his brother jockey Chris Hayes.

The son of Lord Shanakill was unplaced in three bumpers runs last year and while also unplaced in six flat starts before today, was beaten just 2L into fifth at today's venue last month.

Jockey Hayes today produced Pro Bono with his challenge on the outer in the closing stages, eventually prevailing by half a length from Complete Fiction

Afterwards owner/trainer Hayes reported “he promised in bumpers to win one and we found out after his run in Gowran that he had a kissing spine. We got that looked after and he ran fierce well the last day.

“That trip is a minimum and he can run here over 1m4f or further."

He added “John Hassett bred Pro Bono ('without charge' in legal terms) and gave him to me to help get me going so it’s a big thanks to him.”

Quotes from Alan Magee