Hayes continues hot run with Social Climber

Social Climber completed a week to remember for Chris Hayes when finishing strongly to land the Live Music Sunday Sept 20th Handicap at Gowran Park.

Hayes was continuing a hot streak over the past six days which has seen him partner doubles at Sligo and Limerick and go one better at Down Royal yesterday with a 119/1 treble. Brown Bee set the pace in this extended nine-furlong event, and looked tough to peg back when going a few lengths clear inside the final quarter mile.

However the Kevin Prendergast-trained Social Climber found plenty when Hayes got serious, and led inside the final furlong for an ultimately convincing two and a quarter length verdict.

The 13/8 favourite Beechmount Whisper could only keep on at one pace another three and a half lengths back in third.

Hayes is currently third in the flat jockeys' championship behind clear leader Pat Smullen and Colin Keane.

Prendergast said, "The visor made the difference today and he ground it out well.

"Another furlong will do him no harm and he might win another if not killed (by the handicapper) before being sold. There's a race for him at Roscommon soon."

(TW & AM)