Hayes' fine run continues on Grey

Man in form Chris Hayes got a great tune from Stony Grey as he landed the Seamus Mulvaney Handicap at Listowel.

Hayes settled his mount in behind the leaders in the early stages of the mile-and-a-half contest but decided to force the issue after just half a mile and sent his mount to the front.

He was rowing along on Andy Oliver's charge turning for home but found a willing partner, who galloped on strongly to score at 4/1.

The Winged Love gelding hit another gear inside the final furlong and pulled away from his rivals to record a two-and-three-quarter length success over Lethal Weapon 7/2 favourite Hisaabaat was third.

The lightly raced winner had stayed on well on his last outing when third to stable-mate Stephen Hero at Galway.

“The plan was to keep him handy and let him stride along as he's a good big striding horse. Chris found the pace wasn't strong enough so he made up his mind early and dictated it,” said Oliver.

“Fair play to Chris it was a great ride and that's why he's a Group One jockey now.

“That's one of the most satisfying if not the most satisfying win I've had this year. The owners (Pat Gilsenan) have been very patient. They're not too far away from me in Monaghan.

“He's a horse that's taken time and they had to be patient and they've stuck to their guns. We think a bit of this horse. He can only improve and I'm delighted for them.”

Hayes explained his motives for making an early move:- “He had the form of the race coming into it and loves the ground. Obviously he really enjoyed himself today.

“We changed the tactics today. We were going pretty steady and I just committed pretty early on him. He's genuine and will make a nice jumper for someone some day.

“I thought his run the last day was quite good behind Andy's other horse. We were getting a good weight turn around today and my horse really excelled on this ground.”