King hits the bookies in bumper

The market was obviously going to provide a major pointer to the Mooncoin (Pro-Am) Flat Race with no form under rules to go on, and Pay The King hit the bookmakers hard when making a winning debut.

The John Hassett-trained gelding was available at 12/1 this morning, and was further supported on track from 8/1 into 11/2.

The son of King's Theatre challenged in the straight under John Thomas McNamara, and kept on well inside the final furlong to beat Minella Hero (7/1) by two and a quarter lengths. Silver Tassie the heavily-backed 11/8 favourite, could never quite get on terms with the principals but kept on to finish another length back in third.

Hassett said, "He's a lovely horse. He's probably bred to get a bit further than this but we couldn't miss the opportunity of the good ground here.

"He's straight forward to train and has a bright future over jumps.We'll see how he comes out of this before making any plans."

(AM & GC)