Dream Walker (grey horse) weaves his way through under Chris Hayes© Photo Healy Racing
After winning the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund "Ahonoora" Handicap for the last couple of years with Baraweez (5th this time) Brian Ellison struck again in the feature at the final stage of the Galway festival with the Chris Hayes-ridden Dream Walker
The successful Gold Away grey, third here on Thursday behind Total Demolition, benefited from a patient Hayes ride.
Ellison, on the mark earlier in the week with Our Kylie, fielded Stipulate (gambled-on favourite, finished ninth) as well, but Dream Walker got the gaps when required to come from the back and beat Reckless Endeavour and Tribal Path by a neck and half a length.
Ellison stated: "They started racing from a fair way out and Chris used his head. He sat and then got all the breaks. He's a class jockey.
"We've had a great week at Galway and have been here since Monday.
"This horse had a bad draw on Thursday but when he's here we thought he might as well run. We let him out on Friday and he was bucking and kicking, and in great form.
"I thought Stipulate had the best chance but he got no run on the rail, and Baraweez had a bad draw.
"Five runs ago this horse was on the scrapheap. He'd a wind operation that didn't work, and we said we'd give him one more run with a tongue strap. He finished second and has won two good races at home since. He has got more confidence now."
The Stewards enquired into an incident in the closing stages involving Baraweez, ridden by D.M. Redmond, placed fifth, Have A Nice Day (GB), ridden by D.M. Simmonson, placed seventh, Dream Walker (FR), ridden by C.D. Hayes, placed first and Reckless Endeavour, ridden by C.T. Keane, placed second. 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 C.D. Hayes was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly. Having taken his previous record in this regard into account, the Stewards suspended him for one race day.
(AM & EM)
