True Destiny and Brian Hayes © Photo Healy Racing
True Destiny sprang a 40/1 shock in some style when landing the Hazelwood Handicap Hurdle for James Lambe at Sligo.
The Mastercraftsman gelding had been well beaten on recent Flat starts and was easy to back on his return to jumping today in the two-and-a-half mile contest.
Brian Hayes held his mount up in rear before coming with a swooping run after the second last flight.
He popped the last with a few lengths lead and kept on strongly on the run-in to record a five-and-a-half length win.
The winning trainer was leading up and Hayes said afterward:- "Jimmy said beforehand that he's the best horse in the race, just take your time and ride him with real confidence.
"That's what I did and, sure enough, coming to two out he just latched on and away with him.
"I actually thought we went steady enough early on but his jumping got him into it and he arrived there going very easily.
"I think if you look at his form from yesteryear, he was rated high enough on the Flat. He had been a bit disappointing lately but he just put it all together today."
(Quotes by Mark Nunan)
