The pic says it all - Chris Hayes & Fit The Cove© Photo Healy Racing
For Shanagolden County Limerick jockey Chris Hayes Tuesday September 18th 2012 will be a landmark date as his three rides at Listowel all did the business, admirable veteran Fit The Cove bringing up the near 453/1 hat-trick in the Brandon Hotel Handicap.
Astoundingly Fit The Cove had two previous victories at the Harvest Festival but they were a long time back at this stage, in 2004 and 2005. His win in this sprint, just his second over six furlongs, was taking his lifetime score to twelve.
That's a win for every year of his life and he is clearly a horse that revels on the big stage as he has four wins at the Galway Festival to his name and five at Ballybrit in all.
He never won by as far as he did today, six lengths being the margin at the line. It was comfortable too as he led from over two furlongs out before asserting in the final furlong to beat Srucahan
Winning trainer Harry Rogers said: "He's a horse that just loves racing. No matter what we do with him at home he just thrives on racing.
"He was healthy and well. Since I got him as a four-year-old he has never given us any problems. He has never been sick a day in his life.
"He's a very healthy horse and hopefully he'll be back here on Saturday over seven furlongs."
Meanwhile Hayes explained: "I came in at Galway and I was apologetic to Mr Rogers so I'm grateful he kept me aboard.
"I had a hard time pulling him up there at the end. I can't remember the last time I had a treble but I'm having a great season (48th of the campaign) and I've had plenty of doubles. That's coming after a lean time last year.
"I'm getting great support from Harry Rogers, Andy Oliver and Paul Deegan so I'm very thankful to them.
"My Mum and Dad are here today. They were sad they missed out on yesterday when I had the winner (Talitha Kum)." (DM & EM)
