Happy connections with Mufrad© Photo Healy Racing
After recording a double at Limerick yesterday Chris Hayes went one better at Down Royal today as Mufrad completed a treble for him in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden.
Hayes earlier guided Cheers Buddy to victory in the third while he was also aboard Ulster Oaks winner Witty Repartee
Mufrad, who is trained by Kevin Prendergast, was sent off the 6/4 favourite having finished a good fourth to Father Christmas on his first start of the season at Roscommon earlier this month.
Settled in third the winning son of New Approach improved into second from three furlongs out and was ridden to lead at the two pole.
He was challenged inside the final furlong by Van Shaick but he pulled out more in the closing stages to see off that rival by three parts of a length.
Van Shaick was returned a 9/1 chance under Colin Keane for Ger Lyons while newcomer Nova was a further three and a quarter lengths back in third under Billy Lee for David Wachman at 11/2.
