Copie Conforme and Chris Hayes © Photo Healy Racing
Trainer Kevin Prendergast continued what has been a fine season to date when sending out Copie Conforme to justify favouritism in the Peadar Kearney's Pub Handicap at Bellewstown.
Having opened her account over course and distance at the last meeting here in July, the three-year-old filly subsequently ran well at both Killarney and Leopardstown.
Sent off 10/3f, the Chris Hayes ridden daughter of Make Believe got back to winning ways under a strong drive from the classic winning jockey.
Pushed along to make rapid headway entering the straight, Copie Conforme led over a furlong out, staying on strongly to hold the late run of Blue Soul by half-a-length.
Chris Hayes said: "That was a good performance because nothing worked out - wide draw, they went even without going mad, I was trapped deep and she came alive with me around the two turns and I said I would keep going forward. She parked a little bit in front.
"It was far from pretty, but she is an improving filly. She is holding her form and she is coming forward.
"As he (Prendergast) would say himself, I was there an hour too soon but at least she helped me."
Additional reporting by Michael Graham.
