Double for Hayes as Lemista wins Park Express

Ger Lyons ran two last time out maiden winners in the Group 3 Lodge Park Stud Park Express Stakes, and it was Lemista (8/1) which fared better than 5/6 favourite Even So as they finished first and third.

A daughter of Raven’s Pass, Lemista, completing a double for Chris Hayes, led coming to the furlong pole and held the big market drifter Hamariyna (16/1) by three quarters of a length, with her stable companion just a neck further back in third.

Bought as a foal at Goffs for 16,000 euros by present connections, Lemista had shown her effectiveness on testing ground when winning her maiden at the third attempt at Gowran Park last October.

Assistant trainer Shane Lyons said afterwards: "We had to throw her into that race with the way the ground is as we know she wants a mile-and-a-half and you need a horse with stamina for that ground.

“Our horses are forward but without having a run you don't know how forward they are until they go to the track.

“They are really working well. This filly and Even So were working well at home so you can't leave them at home when there is a pattern race like that.

“We're delighted, she won her maiden by five lengths so you can't be bad if that happens.

“Chris said she'd appreciate better ground to be able to use her long stride. Stepping up trip I think she is an exciting filly.

“She could be aimed at the Oaks. We never thought she'd be a Guineas filly, trip-wise. Since February onwards we've been very happy and we're just delighted she's gone and done it.

“The other filly (Even So) has run a cracker too. She got a little bit tired half a furlong from home and with her being down the inside where the ground is deader it just found her out.

“Better ground and stepping up a couple of furlongs as well she'll be a nice filly. She is in the Guineas but I don't know if she'd be quick enough and both of them could go for Oaks trials.”

Regarding the current policy of continuing racing behind closed doors, Lyons added:

“The Government is doing a sterling job, we're 100 percent behind them and top marks to them.

“Brian Kavanagh is doing a sterling job also and he's keeping the ball rolling.

“This is our first day obviously. We have to compliment the stable staff who are adhering to the rules, at home and at the races.

“If the Government tell us we can't do it, no problem and we'll put our heads down and follow suit, but if everybody plays ball and it keeps going happy days. People just need to use their heads and common sense.

“The restrictions are no way an annoyance to us. There are greater things in the world to worry about and we'll do what we are asked to do, no problem.

“Full marks to all the authorities as they are playing a blinder.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson