Layfayette bags another big win Lincoln winner from the Curragh in March, Layfayette showed his versatility when triumphing in the big one of the year on the level at Roscommon, the Listed Lenebane Stakes. His success at HQ in the spring was over a mile on heavy terrain, tonight’s assignment, a mile and a half on top of the ground, was no bother to him either. Versatility and toughness was on display from Noel Meade’s runner, as he came here on the back of a Royal Ascot sixth placing thirteen days back. Chris Hayes raced towards the rear on Mrs Patricia Hunt’s French Navy gelding, and he made headway into fifth two furlongs out. Soon ridden, Layfayette (11/4) led a furlong out, staying on well in the final furlong to defeat Hector De Maris by a length and a quarter. “That was nice. Trip was never a concern and I was more worried about the ground,” said Hayes after winning on his only mount on the day. “I rode him on quick ground last year and I didn't think he let himself down on it. It wasn't until he got a bit of juice in it last year that he transformed. “He won the Lincoln on heavy and I was unlucky in another handicap on him in soft ground. “Noel said he came out of Ascot fine on the quick ground and just got a bit outpaced on it so that gave me a little bit of confidence. “They went good and hard and I was able to ride a nice waiting race on him, and he quickened up well. “I said to myself they can't keep going, when you have a Lincoln winner off the bridle going into the first turn they had to be going quick no matter what the ground was. “Once I was able to follow and have one crack at Colin I was always going to be able to build momentum. “It was a good bit placing and I'm glad to get back on him. “I don't know where he'll go next but there might be something for him on Champions Weekend.” The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Reve De Vol, trained by G.M.Lyons, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. (GC & EM)
