CHRIS HAYES was amongst the winners at Leopardstown© Photo Healy Racing
There was a very tight finish to the Something Happens 3-y-o Handicap at Leopardstown as the well-backed favourite Franklyn (3s into 7/4 on course) just clung on for victory.
Kafu (5/1) came flying out of the pack to close down the market leader near the line, but the photograph revealed that Chris Hayes’ mount had prevailed by a nose. Asanda (16/1) and Red Sole Diva (7/1) filled the frame as all sixteen took part.
In-form trainer Aidan Howard said afterwards : “I'm very happy to win with him before the handicapper got to him.
“He got 11lb after Killarney so I had to come here today. I was very much afraid of the ground, that's as quick as he wants it, and afraid of the trip too.
“This was the only option I had. I had him in on Monday but it was a lot to ask to go to Killarney from the Curragh and then travel him to Ballinrobe as well.
“We'll give him a couple of weeks in the field now and find something in a month or six weeks.
“He's only three and is still maturing, he's a grand horse.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
