Jockey Chris Hayes registered his second win, in the last three years, of the featured Topaz Mile Handicap, on day two at Galway, on the Joe Murphy trained Ask Jack
Carrying the colours of Easyfix hurdle manufacturer Tom Howley Jnr, the son of Mt Livermore made most, at a fast pace, and stayed on gamely in the straight for a two lengths win over 25/1 shot Mid Mon Lady
Afterwards a delighted Murphy stated “this race was always a race I wanted to win and it registers up there with my biggest achievements as a trainer, having trained Ardbrae Lady to finish second in an Irish 1,000 Guineas a few years ago and winning the 1982 Thyestes Chase with Felicity's Pet.”
Fethard based Murphy added “Ask Jack finished second in a seven furlong handicap last year and the plan since then was to run here in this race. His good draw was vital – you need a good draw to win this race – and he is very genuine. He'll run here again on Saturday in a seven furlong handicap.”
Jockey Hayes has previously won the race, formerly the McDonogh Handicap and then the Tote Mile, in 2008 with Celtic Dane.
Owner Howley subsequently completed an across-the-card double when Supercede landed a handicap hurdle at Perth this evening.
