True Valour wins under Chris Hayes© Photo Healy Racing
Johnny Murtagh completed a Leopardstown double as True Valour (first-time cheek-pieces) took the featured Group 3 Ballycorus Stakes.
Unfortunately St Patrick's Day reared in the stalls and was withdrawn. American Pharoah's brother had to miss out on veterinary advice and his absence necessitated a 20 Cent Rule 4 to all bets.
Murtagh's earlier winner, Parkers Hill got home by just a neck, but the Qatar Racing Limited-owned and Chris Hayes-ridden True Valour (7/4 favourite) was very strong 'at the death' for a two and a quarter length win over Smash Williams (7s into 9/2).
"I'm so delighted he's won a Group 3 because we've always thought he was a group horse and he thrived over the winter," said Murtagh.
"The big day is back here on Champions Weekend. Sheikh Fahad is a big supporter of the day so he'll come back here for the Boomerang in the long-term.
"We'll keep him going because he thrives on racing. He's done nothing but improve since he came back from England.
"It was similar last year when he ran at Ascot and came back and won at the Curragh.
"We'll keep him going in those Group 3s and Group 2s but the big day is Quipco Irish Champions Weekend for him.
"We put the blinkers on him because the last day he ran a little bit lazily although maybe Epsom didn't suit him. He likes Leopardstown.
"That's the first ride Chris has had for me. Five years he's been annoying me for rides and then I give him my best horse!"
For his part Hayes said: "It's a shame for Shane Foley (suspended). He rang me and told me exactly what to do on him so a lot of it's down to him
"It's a nice spare to pick up."
The Stewards enquired into an incident in the straight involving Ardhoomey ridden by C.T. Keane, Smash Williams, ridden by K.J. Manning, and Full Moon ridden by D. O'Brien, where it appeared Full Moon checked.
Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that the incident was caused by accidental interference and took no further action.
(GC & EM)
