Hayes doubles up to record 1000th Irish winner Having been amongst the winners earlier on the card, jockey Chris Hayes completed a double when guiding the Joseph O'Brien trained Starford to a comfortable victory in the Conor Cassidy Car Sales Handicap at Roscommon. In doing so, the Limerick born jockey was registering his 1000th winner in Ireland. Sent off 6/5f, the Newtown Anner Stud Farm Ltd owned gelding followed up his recent success at Gowran Park. Mid division in the early part of the race, Hayes came through from off the pace with a sweeping run to head leader Coulstys Way over a furlong out. Soon in command, Hayes could afford to ease down in the closing stages as the market leader landed an easy four-and-a-quarter length victory. “It was nice, a lovely spare to get,” said Hayes. “He’s a lovely straightforward horse and I’d say he’ll improve again. “It’s a pleasure to be in the hat to be getting those types of rides. Unfortunate circumstances but it’s nice when you get to sit up on nice horses for Joseph. He gives you a good chance and I’m delighted I was able to ride my 1000th winner for him. “I’ve been keeping an eye on it and I think it’s something to be proud of in Irish racing, if you can do it. “(The first winner was) back in 2004 on the Friday of Bellewstown so I’m two days short of doing it in 21 seasons. “It’s something I’m proud of. I said I’d retire when I get to a thousand so I’ll have to see what I do now!” Additional reporting by Gary Carson.
