Silent Prayer notches another winner for Weld

Dermot Weld could salvage a forgettable season in the coming weeks as the eight-time Champion Trainer's horses finally find form, and today won Clonmel's opening Clonmel Supporters Club Maiden with John Magnier's Silent Prayer (18/1).

Jockey Chris Hayes made all on the daughter of Muhaarar in a battling win over Three Laws to provide Weld with a fifth winner for leading owner Magnier.

Hayes commented “that was nice and she has a lovely pedigree. She had some adequate runs in maidens but didn’t handle the softer ground in a handicap at Galway last time.

“She has been freshened up and the boss said he’d try and make my life a bit easier by putting a set of visors on her. They seemed to work as she jumped and travelled. The plan wasn’t to make it but I got such an easy lead and she travelled so well.

“It surprised me how well she quickened because she will stay further.”

It was Weld's sixth success since Homeless Songs triumphed in the 1,000 Guineas in May and, notably, was a second in 24 hours, as the trainer prepares Champions Weekend contenders Homeless Songs and exciting juvenile Tahiyra, a half-sister to Tarnawa, for September 10 and 11.

Quotes from Alan Magee