Brogue delivers for Weld and Hayes in Down Royal finale

Brogue stayed on best under Chris Hayes to win the concluding Molson Coors Beverage Company Handicap at Down Royal.

Owned and trained by Dermot Weld, the son of Frankel was having just his second start since returning from a 784 day absence at Navan last month.

A maiden winner on his racecourse debut at Cork in 2019, the now seven-year-old has clearly had his training issues, reaching the track on just five subsequent occasions prior to today.

Held up towards rear as Out On Friday adopted customary front running tactics, Hayes cut through the field to go third entering the straight as Pashmena took over in front.

Ridden to lead just over a furlong out, Brogue kept on well to win for only the second time in his career.

Chris Hayes said: "I'm delighted because when you put patience into a horse like that, it is good when it is rewarded.

"It was nice to get him back. He's obviously a fragile horse and I don't know much about him other than he is a yard favourite.

"It was a nice performance off top-weight and hopefully we can get a similar contest again.

"I'd imagine so (ability still there) and the boss wouldn't persevere unless it was there."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham.