Hayes gets off the mark for new season

Brian Hayes became the 22nd jockey to ride a winner in the week-old new season today, landing Killarney’s Gerard O'Sullivan Memorial Novice Chase on Henry De Bromhead’s Butch Cassidy (6/4f), for owner John Magnier.

The six-year-old had initially won a bumper and maiden hurdle from two runs in 2024 and today scored on his fifth attempt over fences, making all the running to score easily from Da Capo Glory.

Hayes, who notched a first career Grade 1 success in April, reported “Butch Cassidy gave me some feel throughout the race, and rode like a really good horse.

“I thought it was great placing by Henry as the beginners chases are so hot these days and that was a lovely for him, and it rode like a piece of work. Maybe that nicer ground may be the key to him.

“I’d say he is a very smart horse and even his winter form has worked out very well. An Irish National winner (Soldier In Milan) and three of Willie Mullins’ beat him one day in Gowran last January so that was fair form and I was very confident today.

“He is a very nice horse and I think he will gallop all day. He had previously backed off his fences but enjoyed it today.”