Voleuse De Coeurs and a jubilant Chris Hayes land the Irish St Leger© Photo Healy Racing
What appeared to be a particularly competitive renewal of the Irish St Leger was turned into a procession by Voleuse De Coeurs who gave jockey Chris Hayes his first Classic.
The 9/1 shot moved into the lead at the top of the hill, was ridden two clear at the two furlong pole and from there demolished her rivals as she quickened away up the straight for an impressive six lengths win. Ahzeemah trained by Saeed Bin Suroor, was the well-backed 7/2 favourite from 5s at the track. He was all out at the finish to cling on for second, a head in front of John Oxx’s Saddler’s Rock (16/1) who was staying on all the time. Euphrasia parted company with jockey Gary Carroll in the last 50 yards, when out of contention. Trainer Joseph Murphy reported that his charge was found to be lame post-race.
A delighted Chris Hayes said: “That’s super. It’s brilliant to ride for Mr Weld. That’s my first ride for him. He was very bullish and told me to have her handy. She’s a better filly with ease in the ground. They were stopping in front of me and she came back on the bridle and bolted up. Thank God it wasn’t a handicap or I’d be in trouble!
“Lady O’Reilly has been very good to me. I've ridden winners for her as a 10-pound claimer right down to today. Last week meant a lot as it was for the boss [winning the Group 1 Matron Stakes at Leopardstown on Saturday on La Collina for Kevin Prendergast], but I can enjoy this one a bit more now.
"These are the days you dream of. She was awesome and put the race to bed turning for home. I'd love to have a spin on her on soft ground as she was brilliant there. When she hit the easier surface she sprinted away."
Owner Lady O’Reilly commented: “She did it very easily and she definitely likes the Curragh and this time of year. I think she can rest on her laurels now and maybe go to stud. Chris has had some week.”
Trainer Dermot Weld would like to keep the filly in training though as he said: “She’s a smart filly and a model of consistency. She ran a cracking trial behind Royal Diamond and I knew she would improve for that.
“She’s a joy to train and is very straightforward. I’ve been very fortunate to win Legers with Vinnie Roe and Vintage Crop. She’s a high-class mare and I will try and encourage Lady O’Reilly to keep her in training as I think she will be a high-class mare at five in cup races.
“Pat (Smullen) chose Pale Mimosa as she has more pace, but she probably needed the run as she hadn’t run since May. I said to Chris beforehand that there was nothing between the two of mine.”
Bookmaker Paddy Power introduced Voleuse De Coeurs at 10/1 for the Ascot Gold Cup next year. The same firm gave her a first show of 16/1 for the Melbourne Cup.
This was Dermot Weld’s seventh Irish Leger success – four with Vinnie Roe and two from Vintage Crop. The latter, who is now 26, paraded round the paddock before the race.
This win gave jockey Hayes a double on the Curragh card as he was successful in the Listed Flame Of Tara Stakes aboard Avenue Gabriel
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
