Brian Hayes, who turns professional next week, signed off from the amateur ranks in the best possible way when partnering Coosan Belle to an easy success in the Ernst & Young Handicap Hurdle. Without The Bop set a good clip in front despite the steadier of top-weight but was reeled in by Coosan Belle (9/1) at the second last.
The five-year-old mare made the best of her way home from this point and Hayes could afford to ease her right down in the closing stages to record a four and a half length win over Lake Return (7/1). Ahead Ahead (9/1) kept on to finish another half length back in third, while those who supported Minella Special into 15/8 favourite (from 3/1) were out of pocket as he could only manage seventh.
Winning trainer John “Shark” Hanlon said, “She deserves to win as she's been knocking on the door. She's only a small filly and might have a break before going to Listowel.
"I'm delighted for the syndicate who are a group of five brothers (Burke's) from Coosan near Athlone, and it's brilliant for Brian who is a great lad and does everything you ask him to.”
Alan Magee
