Hayes completes 396/1 treble as Brown Boots makes winning debut over fences Brian Hayes took Navan by storm this afternoon and completed a 396/1 treble when Brown Boots justified strong support in the Gormanlough Handicap Chase. The Liam Cusack-trained gelding was having his first run over fences, having failed to make the frame in six outings over hurdles, and was given his hurdle mark of 84. The 7/4 favourite, available at 3/1 on track, struck the front after two out and kept on strongly on the run-in to beat Duce Bigalow by six lengths. Plain Or Battered couldn’t find any extra and finished a further 13 lengths back in third. Cusack said, “It is a staying family, his (half) brother Ballygrifincottage was fourth in an Albert Bartlett (2022). "To be honest now, first run in a handicap, first run over fences, you are always nervous. The main thing is to get around. "Probably wasn't a wonderful race and Brian was very happy with the way he jumped; he said he jumped super. "It was nice to get it, and he is a nice horse going forward. Yes (unexposed) and hopefully (bit of scope). "He surprised me now because I walked it the ground and I thought it was horrible enough, but look he handled it and I'm happy with his jumping. "Brian is a very good lad and he works hard. He's a good team player." Hayes, who was on the mark earlier aboard Zanoosh (15/2) in the featured 2m4f handicap hurdle and Joystick (16/1) in the beginners’ chase, said: “Magic day! Delighted to get it. He jumped really well." Quotes by Michael Graham
