Sweet success for Hayes as he rides first winner for O'Brien

Sweet Illusions scored on her official debut when getting the better of a tight finish in the fillies maiden at Dundalk.

The Joseph O'Brien-trained filly had been fourth in a barrier trial at the venue back in July and put that experience to good use.

She was produced to challenge over a furlong from home by Chris Hayes and bagged a narrow lead inside the final furlong.

The US-bred daughter of Get Stormy held newcomer Heather late on to secure a neck success at odds of 17/2.

Hayes said: "I looked at it (barrier trial run) earlier on today, I thought it was nice and there was an 80 finished beside her in that barrier trial.

“The winner of that barrier trial competed at a decent level as well, won a nice maiden in Navan.

"Look, it doesn't matter what pecking order Joseph's runners are, you are just delighted to be getting on them - they always have a chance.

"That's my first winner from a handful of rides for him, I'm delighted and I actually got a good kick out of that.

"He gets me to ride work the odd time and I was placed in the Million for him, rode a couple of maidens for him then as well, and a couple of stakes races trying to get them placed.

"She absolutely floated on it (surface). Big frame of a filly and I was hopeful. He said to me that she had improved from her barrier trial so, once he said that, I was fairly confident she would run a nice race.

"I was expecting one of Joseph's to come and pass me, but it is great to get it."

(Quotes by Michael Graham)