Solo Performer is driven out by Chris Hayes© Photo Healy Racing
Chris Hayes gave Solo Performer a well-judged front running ride as he took the Irish News Hitting The Target Handicap for trainer Harry Rogers.
Hayes was of course doubling up aboard the 8yo son of Distant Music, having earlier won on the Paul Deegan trained newcomer Sruthan
Solo Performer was sent off at 20/1 tonight and he made all, coming under pressure two furlongs out before keeping on well to score by half a length from the Mick Halford trained Conor Hoban ridden Cebuano in second at 9/2.
Mick Halford also trained the third placed horse, Paddy The Celeb under Marc Monaghan at 4/1 while the 7/2 favourite Gretsky met with trouble in-running and finished an unlucky fourth.
He was boxed in over two furlongs from home and lost momentum in order to get some room on the outside. Once he got to the outside he charged home under Pat Smullen but it was too late.
Harry Rogers said afterwards: “I have to hand it to Chris. He said to take the blinkers off him after the last day, he kicked at the right time and he just held on. He’s been a great old servant.”
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
