Eager veteran hands Murphy a Dundalk double Versatile veteran Desert Friend (13/2) gave jockey Chris Hayes a strenuous workout today, as the keen-goer landed Dundalk’s Mid-Week Easter Break Racing 1st April Handicap to provide trainer Pat Murphy with a double. Initially successful in a juvenile maiden in 2018, ten-year-old Desert Friend has since scored both over hurdles and fences and today, despite racing keenly, registered an eighth career success when defeating Disco Boy by three-parts of a length. Kilkenny-based Murphy, earlier successful with Methgal, revealed "for whatever reason Desert Friend has become keen in his races. He's not bad at home and we are just trying to keep him settled. “We changed his bit for his last run but he was keen again tonight. In fairness to Chris (Hayes), he held on to him although he is now giving more of a blow than the horse. I was wondering why he didn't ‘go’ at the two-furlong pole but he said afterwards that he needed a break! “Chris’ experience counted though, as he knew he would reap rewards at the end of the race. He said he pulled for 1m6f of the (two miles) race, so it was a great ride. "Small fields and maybe a turning track (on turf), would suit so hopefully he will win another one." Thirty eight-year-old Hayes was riding his third winner of the new season. Quotes from Michael Graham
