Liam O'Kelly with Chris Hayes talking to absent trainer Denis Hogan on the phone© Photo Healy Racing
Inis Meain destroyed his field in what had looked beforehand a very competitive renewal of the Guinness Handicap at Listowel.
The Denis Hogan-trained gelding took up his customary front-running role in the €40,000 contest.
Chris Hayes kicked on entering the straight on the 4/1 joint favourite and he soon streaked clear of his rivals. Truthwillsetufree came through to chase home the winner but never looked like getting on terms and Hayes could afford to ease his mount down in the closing stages for a cosy two-length success.
The other joint-favourite Our Conor was a further five-and-a-half lengths back in third.
It was the fifth win on the level this season for Inis Meain, who had also landed a big pot at the Galway festival.
Hogan missed the victory as he was undergoing surgery on his thumb today following a fall on the gallops last Wednesday.
Winning owner Liam O'Kelly paid tribute to the trainer afterwards:-
“It's a fantastic tonic for him. He's in the Mater Hospital and just had an operation about an hour ago.
“This is fantastic for Denis – he's a fantastic guy. It's great for everybody as it's a team effort.”
Hogan, who also rides over jumps, is expected to be out of action for around six weeks.
The man on board today is enjoying a great week at the festival and Hayes said afterwards:-
“He was going a stride quicker than I wanted but Denis said to me this morning to keep it simple and let him flow along.
“He might go for something like the Cesarewitch and he could be anything. He has loads of pace and keeps going.
“I hope the handicapper does cripple him as he might claim off him then!”
(On course reporting by Alan Magee)
