Hayes and Nova strike again

Amy Jo Hayes got a good tune from Sunset Nova again to land the spoils in the Manguard Plus Handicap at Leopardstown.

The 7lb claimer had partnered her first winner on Andy Slattery's charge at Navan back in April and the pair came with a sweeping run to lead at the furlong marker today.

The 12/1 shot soon asserted and kept on strongly in the closing stages of the seven-furlong contest to record a two-and-a-quarter length win over Royal Tribute

Brian Slattery, brother and assistant to the trainer, said:- “He had a lovely run here on his last run, running on real well when the race wasn't run to suit.

“We were disappointed he got balloted out of Galway last week but he made up for it today so it's lovely.

“Amy Jo gave him a great ride, she gets a great tune out of him, and he ran to the line really well for her.

“When he's at this level he's very competitive and pays his way.

“We'll see what the owners want to do but he might even get a break now and save him for Dundalk for the winter.”