Panama Hat and Chris Hayes are too good for Carla Bianca and Pat Smullen© Photo Healy Racing
"I'm delighted with him. I was nervous about the race going into to it, more so than his last few Group runs, as I knew it would be a tactical affair," said trainer Andy Oliver after the Team Valour-owned Panama Hat (8/11) came out best in the three runner Group 3 Diamond Stakes.
"He was odds-on but none of these things are that simple. It almost makes it like a match race and you can never be sure. I was afraid tactics might get him beat. He got a lead but it was steadier than I would have liked," added Oliver.
Chris Hayes' mount Panama Hat tracked Carla Bianca and he put it to the pace-setter from before the straight.
The big chestnut got down to work in the final quarter mile and after hitting the front a furlong out he went on to defeat Carla Bianca and Unsinkable by a length and a length and a quarter.
"He's so relaxed now in his races and was happy to go the pace. Chris had to take a hold of him and make him challenge," further reflected Oliver.
"I had a slight butterfly moment half way up the straight but he got the job done and ran a great race.
"He's a pleasure of a horse to train and I have to thank Team Valor for the support. They've been very easy to train for and very supportive.
"I spoke to the owners before tonight, and said I'd be happy to finish here for the year, as he's had plenty of racing, but we'll discuss it as he's still in good heart."
(GC & EM)
