Hayes doubles up, as Ben beats Clara Chris Hayes doubled up in the last at Limerick (won the second on The Organ Grinder), the www.limerickraces.ie Handicap, as Abou Ben fended off the challenge of Clara Bel La. The Andrew Oliver trained eleven-year-old son of Beneficial won a qualified riders race over a mile and six at Listowel on his last outing and he followed up today, over two miles. Sent off at 7/2, he hit the front from over two furlongs out and despite being strongly pressed by Clara Bel La in the final furlong, he stuck to his task gamely, winning by half a length at the line. The John Kiely trained Clara Bel La, ran a game race to finish second under Pat Smullen at 10/1, while Admiral Barry was a further length back in third under Ronan Whelan for Eoin Griffin at 12/1. Darroun was sent off the 2/1 favourite for Willie Mullins and Joseph O’Brien, but after disputing the lead from six furlongs out, he dropped to sixth turning for home, eventually finishing a disappointing eighth. Chris Hayes said afterwards: "He is tough and genuine and Andy said to keep it simple, have him tracking the pace before going on, as he stays all day. I probably got to the front a bit too soon but he kept at it really well." Additional reporting by Alan Magee
