La Collina, left, mows down her rivals in Leopardstown© Photo Healy Racing
La Collina served up a 25/1 surprise in the Group 1 Matron Stakes over a mile to give jockey Chris Hayes his first Group 1 success.
The four-year-old filly stayed on resolutely on the outside of Lily’s Angel (14/1) and Say (8/1) to win by half a length and a short head respectively.
An emotional Chris Hayes said: “I can’t believe it. The filly has never been as well. She’s the best she ever was. She did a brilliant bit of work on Tuesday. The boss (Kevin Prendergast) said keep it simple and keep her handy.
“I’m 10 years with the boss in November. I’m delighted I can repay him. This is what you can get up in the mornings for. She has been consistent all year. The last run the ground was too soft and she walked through it.”
Kevin Prendergast who gave his jockey a hug upon dismounting added: “She was only beaten in this race last year by two lengths. I was hopeful. She worked with Gordon Lord Byron on Tuesday and he was second. She's very gutsy.
"That’s Chris’s first Group 1 and he gave her a great ride. I'm like Clive Brittain - I get better with age!"
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
