Prendergast & Hayes on the mark at Gowran

Chris Hayes and Kevin Prendergast recorded their first win since Awtaad struck in the 2000 Guineas at the Curragh last month, as Madroos claimed the Ladies Day June 18th Maiden.

This gelded son of Teofilo was a respectable seventh on his debut at the Curragh, and he was sent off at 8/1 this afternoon.

Having tracked the leader in second, he was pushed along to challenge early in the straight.

He was ridden from the two furlong pole, getting to the front a furlong out, before keeping on well under pressure to prevail by a neck. Kitten Loves Roses (4/1) finished second under Pat Smullen for Dermot Weld, while the 11/8 favourite Schubert was a further length and a half back in third.

Kevin Prendergast said afterwards: "He behaved badly the first day at the Curragh. He missed the break and did everything wrong but still ran okay.

"He's lighter now and it's really turned him around."

Prendergast went on to talk about stable star Awtaad, saying: "Awtaad runs in the St James's Palace. He doesn't need cut in the ground and I'm happy with him."

Additional reporting by Alan Magee