Mordor a ready winner under Hayes A useful performer over flights and eighth in the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham in March, Mordor comfortably accounted for 14 rivals in the Fexco Handicap. Successful on his sole previous visit to Killarney last summer, the Gordon Elliott-trained five-year-old was sent off a 9/2 chance this evening. Settled in mid-division by Chris Hayes, the 79-rated victor took closer order with five-furlongs to go and was ridden to the front from the two-furlong pole. Quickly skipping clear, the Ray Stokes-owned bay kept up the gallop in the closing stages and ultimately came home two-and-three-quarters of a length to the good. Returned the 3/1 favourite, Robbies Rock attempted to chase down the winner with over a furlong to go, but he ultimately had to settle for second under Gary Carroll for Gavin Cromwell. There was a further two-and-a-half length gap back to Dark Note (10/1 from 25s early) in third, while Zanahiyr, who is a classy performer over flights, finished fourth. "On his run the last day he was entitled to do that and Gordon told me he'd come home well, but not to force him or do anything on him too early," Hayes revealed. "He crept away grand and I got there sooner than ideal as a gap presented itself between horses. I took it as I was afraid I wouldn't get a gap in the straight. "I'd like to keep him here for a race on Guineas weekend (at the Curragh), although Gordon does like to travel his horses." STEWARDS REPORT * The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined The Banger Doyle, trained by John Queally, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. * A.J. Slattery, rider of Dark Note (GB), trained by Andrew Slattery, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount became upset in the stalls. Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
