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Tom Weekes

Tom Weekes

Oliver doubles up with 'very good' newcomer

Fri 5th Dec 2014, 21:25

Tom Melbourne and Chris HayesTom Melbourne and Chris Hayes
© Photo Healy Racing

Trainer Andy Oliver completed a double at Dundalk this evening when his Tom Melbourne impressively landed the Floodlit Friday Nights At Dundalk Maiden, under Chris Hayes.

Notably Tom Melbourne's dam is a half-sister to Melbourne Cup winner Fiorente and the son of Dylan Thomas quickened up impressively in the closing stages for a four and three parts of a length win over 8/11 favourite Carrie Bow Cay

An impressed Oliver, whose Whip Up A Frenzy earlier won, stated “I'm delighted; we think he's a very good horse – we hope so anyway.”

“He's very green and very inexperienced but this was one of the only opportunities for him. There was this race or one in two weeks so he had to come.

“I said to Chris (Hayes) that he's knows nothing but if you get him into the race I think he has ability and he showed that. It was a great ride and he really looked after him.

“He's a prospect and one to look forward to in staying races.”

By Thomas Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson

About Tom Weekes
A lifelong racing fan, Tom began writing point to point reports in 2002 and has reported for irishracing.com since 2003, when he joined Irish Racing Services - since taken over by the Press Association. Has ridden a point to point winner and won the 2018 Irish Field Naps Table.