Wild Sapphire lands Killarney maiden for Weld and Hayes Sent off 6/4f, the Dermot Weld trained Wild Sapphire was a second consecutive winning favourite when staying on nicely to land the Hotel Killarney Maiden. Always prominent under Chris Hayes, the Moyglare Stud Farm owned four-year-old gelding chased Sron Na Caise for much of the one-mile contest. Coming through to press the leader over two-furlongs out, Wild Sapphire eventually got to the leader over 100 yards out, keeping on well for a three-quarter-length success. “It worked out grand, it was like a bit of work,” said Hayes. “I got a good tow off Billy. This lad has disappointed us a little bit, there is not point saying it any other way. “I kind of had to allow him to kick as I wanted it to be picture perfect for him today, have one crack inside the furlong pole. “I thought he showed good resolution and galloped through the line. That might do his confidence a bit of good. “He likes these nice tracks and the ground is a credit to them down here in the conditions. My filly in the first wants an ease, he wants top of the ground and they both went on it.” On leaving the visor off today, having had it on last time, he added:- “He was frustrating us so I think he just changed things up. This type of track suited him.” Quotes by Gary Carson.
