Sceptred Isle and Chris Hayes© Photo Healy Racing
Sceptred Isle followed up her recent win at Tipperary when staying on late under Chris Hayes to land the concluding Hipodromo De La Zarzuela Madrid Handicap at Leopardstown.
Trained in County Louth by George Kingston, the seven-year-old had taken 25 runs to open her account but recorded back-to-back wins here despite being raised 11lb for her recent success.
Held up in mid division, the mare travelled nicely in eighth place entering the straight but needed the gaps to appear.
Once in the clear, Hayes switched the 12/1 chance off the inside rail, coming through in the centre of the track to challenge Quiz Test
Getting to the lead over 50 yards from the line, the eventual winner went on for a half-length success.
“That's great, the ground was only just soft enough and thankfully she stayed,” said Kingston.
“We took our time and she got up in spite of the ground. There is a race in Galway but I think we'll skip it and pick something in a while once she's okay.
“It's been a great couple of runs from her. I didn't give out about the handicapper (last time). Sometimes you think 'why did he give her that' but he's the professional.
“It was a very good ride by Chris, as usual from him. I feel a bit sorry for Siobhan (Rutledge) who was suspended but we had an able deputy.
“We'll pick something later on because she wants soft ground and we'll keep her fresh and well. There might be a good pot in her.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson.
