Hayes gets the best out of Alcatraz

Chris Hayes excelled on Alcatraz as the six-year-old gained a second career win in the PG Duffy & Sons Citreon Supporting Newbridge Parish Handicap at the Curragh.

Richard O'Brien had two in here, winner Alcatraz (9/2), and eventual final finisher Captain Cat (6/1).

Hayes was towards the rear on Alcatraz through this mile and a quarter event. There was some headway from the Camacho gelding two furlongs out but he didn't enjoy a clear run over a furlong out.

Soon switched left Alcatraz made progress to lead between horses over a hundred yards out, quickening clear to account for Kerosin by three and a quarter lengths.

"I love riding for Richard. He texted me this morning saying 'I'm sure you've a plan — stick with it' because I made a complete hash of it on him in Leopardstown and it's annoyed me since," said Hayes.

"He's let me do my own thing on him today. He's run over various trips and I just got him to ping the gates and let him think he was running away with me.

"I had him trapped down the fence with not a ounce of light.

"When he turned in I half thought about flicking outside Dylan (Hogan on Aared . He just went to cock his head back on me and I said I'd rather be shot for not getting out than getting out and pulling up so I flicked him back in and he leapt back on the bridle and won as he liked.

"In fairness Gary Halpin got off him in Cork and said as soon as he steps up he'll win. He kind of messed up the start the last day.

"He's a rogue but I enjoy riding him and it's nice to get a win with him. He won by three-and-a-quarter lengths so I'd say Gary O'Gorman will have something to say now.

"We've got that win out of him and I'm sure he'll sweeten up from it but it all depends what the handicapper does with him.

"Richard is a brilliant trainer and I love riding for him. There are no complications and he's very confident in his horses. He passes that on to you and it makes it easy."

(GC & EM)