Hayes warms up for Tahiyra with Leopardstown winner

Chris Hayes warmed up for a high-profile Royal Ascot ride on Tahiyra tomorrow by winning Leopardstown's Richmond Homes Handicap today, on the Andy Oliver-trained Semblance Of Order (4/1jf).

Hayes, whose mount Tahiyra is 4/7 favourite for tomorrow's Coronation Stakes, today delivered first-time-blinkered Semblance Of Order from off the pace to lead close home and beat Encosta by a neck.

The rider reported “he had a good run the last day and I actually felt that I probably should have won on him but I maybe followed the instructions too much and Andy (Oliver) gave me a free rein today.

“I didn't think the blinkers were a good idea but he's won with them, so they were a good idea! He wasn't really facing the blinkers today so I had to give him a chance and I was lucky they went a good pace.

“He hit the line well and I think he'll get a little bit further as well. He's progressing.”

Quotes from Gary Carson