Hayes Stars with Fairyhouse double

Jockey Chris Hayes completed an opening races double at Fairyhouse today, taking the second event, the Ryan Sheridan at Fairyhouse July 4th Rated Race on the Pat Martin trained Knock Stars

Knock Stars took over the lead from Greek Canyon in the straight but was all out to hold on in the closing stages as runner-up Colour Of Love finished well to press the winner to the line.

Martin later stated “the last few times we've been riding her for too much speed and the extra furlong helped her - that win will give her a nice bit of confidence, as she hasn't won since she was a two year old.

She'll probably either go for the big sprint (Scurrey Handicap on Derby Day, June 30) if she gets into the handicap proper or the Brownstown Stakes back here on July 4. More than likely she'll go for the Curragh race as the trip (six furlongs) will probably suit her better.”

The winner was recording her first win since taking the 2010 Birdcatcher Nursery at Naas and in the meantime, had dropped from a career high rating of 97 to her current mark of 82, three pounds inside the band rating for this Rated Race.