Michael Graham
Papa's Way another for red-hot Hayes
Papa's Way keeps them all at bay in the Curragh
© Photo Healy Racing
Papa's Way (9/2) followed up on his Cork success with a victory in the mile and two handicap at the Curragh. Jeremy's Girl took them along as Papa's Way tracked her in second. Chris Hayes pushed him up to assume the lead with three furlongs left. The pair quickly opened up and put a few lengths on the pursuing pack. Lady Giselle looked to be a significant threat as she cut into the lead coming to a furlong out. However, Papa's Way kept the gallop up and refused to be passed as he hit the line three parts of a length up on Lady Giselle (14/1). The pair had been first and second in that Cork handicap as well. War Singer did good work in the last furlong to just get up for third at 8/1.
Trainer Paul Deegan said: "The ground is just starting to go against him. Chris had him rolling down the hill and got them on the stretch. He's riding out of his skin at the moment.
"The ground on the round course is that bit quicker than the straight course."
This gave jockey Hayes a double on the card as he bagged race two on Penny Pepper He has ridden eight winners in the last week.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee