Ira Hayes a fortunate winner for McConnell Tramore's beginners' chase, over just short of two miles, six furlongs was an incident-packed contest and Ira Hayes (9/2, from 8s before the off) had a large slice of luck on his side as he emerged victorious under Danny Mullins. The Mahler gelding was never far from the pace but looked held in fourth jumping the second-last where the three horses in front of him all departed. River Tara and Black Soul fell independently while Warriors Wood was hampered and unseated rider. This left Ira Hayes with a clear advantage in front and he went on to score by 10 lengths from Jumping Susie. A point-to-point winner in England for Jack Teal, this was Ira Hayes second outing over fences. Winning trainer John McConnell said "We needed a change of luck as we've had a horrific April. "This is probably his minimum trip and we had to force him a bit, which probably didn't suit him. He is really a galloping horse, but it was just the conditions of the race suited. "We got our bit of luck and I'm delighted for the lads (Ira Hayes Partnership) seven-year-old, they've been very patient with him. "He hit the line quite well, he wasn't tired or anything. Danny said that up in trip you'll see a better horse. Hopefully, there is fun to be had with him. "Even without the fallers he was going to run a good race anyway, we would have been pleased enough, but it's nice to get the win." Additional reporting by Donal Murphy
