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Hayes makes it happen for Franklyn

CHRIS HAYES was amongst the winners at LeopardstownCHRIS HAYES was amongst the winners at Leopardstown
© Photo Healy Racing

There was a very tight finish to the Something Happens 3-y-o Handicap at Leopardstown as the well-backed favourite Franklyn (3s into 7/4 on course) just clung on for victory.

Kafu (5/1) came flying out of the pack to close down the market leader near the line, but the photograph revealed that Chris Hayes’ mount had prevailed by a nose. Asanda (16/1) and Red Sole Diva (7/1) filled the frame as all sixteen took part.

In-form trainer Aidan Howard said afterwards : “I'm very happy to win with him before the handicapper got to him.

“He got 11lb after Killarney so I had to come here today. I was very much afraid of the ground, that's as quick as he wants it, and afraid of the trip too.

“This was the only option I had. I had him in on Monday but it was a lot to ask to go to Killarney from the Curragh and then travel him to Ballinrobe as well.

“We'll give him a couple of weeks in the field now and find something in a month or six weeks.

“He's only three and is still maturing, he's a grand horse.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

1st
7/4Fav
Tote €2.50 €1.20
2nd
nose
5/1
€1.80
3rd
1.75L
16/1
€4.70
4th
nk
7/1
€2.10
About Mark Nunan
Mark has followed racing since he was a teenager and worked for many years as a broadcaster with the Irish version of Racecall. He joined the Press Association in 2019 and is also a contributor to the Racing Post. A native of Kildare, he now lives in Sligo.