Gary Carson
Hayes grabs quick double on Buck
Buck Rogers at the last
© Photo Healy Racing
Brian Hayes completed a quick double at Limerick this afternoon when partnering Buck Rogers to success in the rated novice hurdle on the card.
Michael Bowe 's charge carried top-weight in the two-mile-three contest and was driven into contention going to the second last.
A better jump than the leader Elusive Star at the flight saw him soon hit the front but he had to survive a slight scare at the final flight when getting in close.
The 6/1 shot sorted his feet out quickly on landing and went on to post a comprehensive five-and-a-half length success.
3/1 favourite Beating The Odds pipped Elusive Star by a head late on for the runner-up spot.
The winning trainer was leading up, his brother and owner John Bowe said:-
"That 2m3f is his minimum and I wanted to stay against novices. He is a work in progress and we are just trying to place him and not over-face him.
"He loves the heavy ground, his jumping was not perfect but was a lot better than it was in the past. He was a lot more relaxed too so bit by bit he is becoming more professional.
"It was a great ride by Brian Hayes and he loves him.
"He'll have to improve again and he handles that really heavy ground so could come back here at Christmas."
Hayes had also won the preceding maiden hurdle on Carrolls Cottage
(Quotes by Tom Weekes)