Coeur D'or well in charge© Photo Healy Racing
Coeur D'or streaked right away from the field for a comprehensive victory in Leopardstown's Plusvital Speed Gene Handicap.
A mile and a furlong was the trip on offer and Chris Hayes had him in the lead after a couple of furlongs.
The seven-year-old gelding enjoyed himself bowling along in front and began to assert a furlong and a half down.
He was ridden approaching the final furlong to go and win his race and the response was impressive. He shot clear inside the final furlong and the 4/1 joint favourite eased home by a more than comfortably four and a-quarter lengths.
The places were occupied by Coill Na Sionainne (5/1) and Longbourn (8/1) in second and third respectively.
Trainer Dermot Weld said: "He got an easy lead, they went no pace. They cantered along in front, he gave him a kick and sprinted home.
“It worked out well and Chris gave him a super ride. He ran a very good race at the Curragh last time and went up 4lb for getting beat half a length.
“The Nasrullah Handicap back here next month would be a smashing race for him, but we'll see what happens.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
