Layfayette (pink) is about to strike the front © Photo Healy Racing
Having run creditably in pattern company on four previous starts this season, the 15/8 favourite Layfayette capitalised on a drop in class to land the Tally Ho Irish EBF Martin Molony Stakes.
Dropped out in rear by Seamie Heffernan, doubling up for the evening after Farnborough he was produced widest of all in the straight and avoided the loose and wandering Shanroe to beat Term Of Endearment by three parts of a length.
This Listed success was a fifth victory at stakes level for the former Group 2 winner, trained for Mrs Patricia Hunt by Noel Meade.
Heffernan said: "I spoke to Colin (Keane, regular jockey) and Noel (Meade) was very complimentary of the horse's well-being. He said to relax, come wide and he should be good enough to win and he was spot on.
"I had them covered every step of the way - from the time I left the gates I was a winner although coming to the line I wasn't sure what the loose horse would do.
"He is old, enthusiastic, moves well, is fit and wants to win which is a big help."
He added "I'm delighted to win another stakes race. You need the owners and trainers pointing their fingers at you and saying 'he'll do me' and if you don't have their support, rides dry up.
"I'm very lucky to have a very good job and have a chance of riding very good horses every day of the week. As long as I'm fit and healthy I'll keep doing my hobby, which is race riding.
"My last winner for Noel was a good while ago (December 2011) and hopefully the big wheel has gone around and I'm back in the hat for good rides."
Quotes from Tom Weekes
