Eclipse Storm (right) holds off Empire State© Photo Healy Racing
Chris Hayes registered a quick double on the card at Naas this afternoon when the Fozzy Stack-trained Eclipse Storm made a winning debut in the six-furlong colts and geldings maiden.
The 16/1 shot settled in behind the leaders in the early stages before being asked to take closer order passing the two pole.
Hayes sent his mount into the lead a furlong from home, and after drifting right under pressure briefly, he straightened up in the closing stages to hold the late charge of Empire State by a head.
The winner is a son of Dream Ahead and is the first foal of Gentle Breeze, a winner in France and whose own dam was Group 3 placed n France.
Stack said:- “He’s been going okay at home but is a bit green and raw, and misbehaved a bit at the stalls, but hopefully he’ll get better with racing.
“I’ll keep him to sprint distances for the minute.
“I thought he’d be too green to win today so we’ll have to sit down and make a plan.”
(Quotes by Alan Magee)
