Hayes doubles up, as Ben beats Clara

Chris Hayes doubled up in the last at Limerick (won the second on The Organ Grinder , the www.limerickraces.ie Handicap, as Abou Ben fended off the challenge of Clara Bel La

The Andrew Oliver trained eleven-year-old son of Beneficial won a qualified riders race over a mile and six at Listowel on his last outing and he followed up today, over two miles.

Sent off at 7/2, he hit the front from over two furlongs out and despite being strongly pressed by Clara Bel La in the final furlong, he stuck to his task gamely, winning by half a length at the line.

The John Kiely trained Clara Bel La, ran a game race to finish second under Pat Smullen at 10/1, while Admiral Barry was a further length back in third under Ronan Whelan for Eoin Griffin at 12/1. Darroun was sent off the 2/1 favourite for Willie Mullins and Joseph O’Brien, but after disputing the lead from six furlongs out, he dropped to sixth turning for home, eventually finishing a disappointing eighth.

Chris Hayes said afterwards: "He is tough and genuine and Andy said to keep it simple, have him tracking the pace before going on, as he stays all day. I probably got to the front a bit too soon but he kept at it really well."

Additional reporting by Alan Magee