Pink Socks makes the breakthrough for Doyle & Hayes

Three times a runner-up at Gowran last year, Pink Socks (7/1) gained the first win of her career in the KCLR 96FM Apprentice Handicap. 

Tim Doyle 's five-year-old was making her seasonal debut and raced in mid-division until making headway to lead over a furlong out. 

Amy Jo Hayes kept her going from that point to hold Engines On by three parts of a length. 

Doyle said of his wife Claire's winner: “She had a good campaign last year but we didn’t win with her. Amy Jo was second on her three times last year and she runs well for her. 

“They went good and fast and she was able to sit in and they came back a little bit to her. She’s a smashing filly and is stronger this year. 

“It’s great to get a winning bracket with her, a homebred filly. 

“She goes on any ground; she’ll go on quick ground as well, so we’ll tip away for the summer and maybe hurdling as well as she jumps well.”

Quotes from Alan Magee