Midnight Fire roars in for Hayes

Midnight Fire was unleashed by Chris Hayes to plunder the big-field six-furlong handicap at Headquarters.

The 8/1 shot was seventh over a furlong from home, but started to make up ground on the inner racing into the final furlong.

Hayes delivered him to the front inside the final 150 yards and the joint top-weight went on by a length and three parts.

There was a bunch finish for the places with runner-up Tall Story (50/1) a short head in front of Golden Spangle (50/1). Inthepoorhouse (12/1) was a neck away in fourth.

For those who availed of extra places, Improving (12/1 from 33/1) was fifth while the always-prominent Even Flow (150/1) took sixth.

“That’s his third time to win over course and distance and he’s also won at Leopardstown. It’s his time of the year," said Eddie Harty.

“I thought the ground might be too soft for him, but I just hoped that it was tacky and not loose so that he could get a bit of traction on it. When it’s sloppy he can’t handle it.

“The handicapper gave him a chance and hopefully there is another one in him.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee