Captain Maverick swoops late for Weld/Hayes

Dermot Weld and Chris Hayes teamed up for their third winner at Galway this week as Captain Maverick got on top close home to land the James’s Gate Irish EBF Median Auction Maiden.

The gelded son of Free Eagle defied a market drift (11/8 this morning but sent off a 100/30 chance) in what proved an exciting seven-furlong event.

There were four horses in a line fighting it out inside the final furlong but Hayes’ mount proved strongest in the closing stages to beat Aafoor by a neck.

The well-backed pair Quickstepping and Megarry finished third and fourth respectively.

Weld said, "He did it nicely, he's a brave horse. Ben (Curtin) bred him and owns him and this was an ambition of his, to see if he could have a winner at Galway and he's achieved it,” said Weld.

“A mile is probably his right trip. He's a lovely laidback individual and I just thought cheekpieces might sharpen him and it did.

“He's a big baby still, he's a horse with a nice bit of improvement in him. He's by Free Eagle and he's bred to be a nice horse.

“Free Eagle was a very good horse, he won the Prince Of Wales for me. He was an outstanding horse, a tough horse and his son is a tough horse too.

“I think today was the day but a nursery would be the plan for him. He's a lovely horse and he'll keep improving.

“My only concern, really, today was the ground. He's a very good mover and I think quicker ground will suit well.”

Weld and Hayes shared a double here on Tuesday including Coeur D’or in the valuable Colm Quinn BMW Mile Handicap.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson