HAVING run creditably in pattern company on four previous starts this season, the 15/8 favourite Layfayette capitalised on a drop in class to land the Listed Tally Ho Irish EBF Martin Molony Stakes.

Dropped out in rear by Seamie Heffernan, he was produced widest of all in the straight and avoided the loose and wandering Shanroe to beat Term Of Endearment by three quarters of a length.

This listed success was a fifth victory at stakes level for the Group 2 winner, trained for Mrs Patricia Hunt by Noel Meade.

Heffernan said: “Noel was very complimentary of the horse’s well-being. He said to relax, come wide and he should be good enough to win and he was spot on.

“He is enthusiastic, moves well, is fit and wants to win which is a big help.”

He added: “I’m very lucky to have a very good job and have a chance of riding very good horses every day of the week. As long as I’m fit and healthy, I’ll keep doing my hobby, which is race riding.”

Heffernan had initiated a double on 1/2 favourite Farnborough who made most to land the Ryan’s Cleaning Event Specialists Maiden.

The blinkered Galileo colt got over from a wide draw and Heffernan judged the pace well, opening up a clear advantage early in the straight before keeping his mount up to his work to hold the late thrust of Machnamh by half a length.

Aidan O’Brien trains the winner for Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Mrs John Magnier and Westerberg.

Heffernan said: “He jumped, is genuine and he took me up and I had the guidance of the rails. He idled a little in front, he is a big horse who could be improving and is still a bit weak.

Furnace hots up for Coen

BEN Coen was another rider to notch a double starting with 7/1 chance Furnace Creek in the Follow Limerick On Instagram Rated Race.

The son of Divine Prophet was successful for trainer James Barrett in a Cork maiden last year and improved on an encouraging recent Listowel run when coming from off the pace to beat First Gentleman by a length and a half.

Navan-based Joe Murray, who trains the four-year-old for owner/breeder Danny Coogan, reported: “we were disappointed with him in Dundalk but changed his training around for the last day at Listowel and we were hoping to build on that.

“He is a big, fast horse and has settled nicely at home and was also nice and settled today at the races.

Tronador, trained by Gordon Elliott for Martin Wasylocha, was Coen’s second winner in the Twilight Package At Limerick Races Handicap over an extended two miles.

The 10/3 chance was dropped out before being asked to take closer order approaching the straight. Having moved into second on the home turn, he gradually wore down longtime leader Youcrackmeup and came home two and a half lengths in front of that rival.

Coen said: “That’s my first winner for Gordon. He rang me and said he’s a lovely horse but you can’t force him early. I got a lovely run through and he stays well.

N a day of mixed fortunes for trainer Denis Hogan, the Premier Racing Club’s Big Baby Bull provided some cheer when landing the opening apprentice claimer under Kyle McHugh.

The young Ballybofey rider, partnering his first winner, produced the 13/8 favourite to lead in the straight and kept him going to beat Is That Love by half a length.

It had been announced earlier in the day that Hogan has had his licence suspended for three months, from August 1st, and had been fined €5,000 after one of his horses tested positive for a prohibited substance, albeit he has already lodged an appeal regarding the severity of the sanction

On his winner, he remarked: “That was brilliant for Kyle - he is with me all winter and while he needs experience, is after gaining plenty lately.

“He has had a few spins but they were on longshots and this is the first time he has had a proper chance.”

A year younger than 17-year-old McHugh, Calum Hogan was another young rider to register his first winner when 33/1 shot Bear Claws landed the apprentice handicap.

The seven-year-old came from well off the pace and Hogan, who has had just a handful of rides, secured a dream run down the inner to beat Dinamine by a length and a half.

Lucky

Owner/trainer Eric McNamara said “It is all down to Calum and what a ride he gave him.

“We’ve been lucky with many local lads from Rathkeale who rode for us and turned out to be fine riders. He is a fine young fella and his mum and dad can be very proud of him.

“He has spent the last month in David O’Meara’s in England but even in that time he looks to have grown again.

Hogan added: “My dad Ray was a jump jockey for 10 years but was quite tall and struggled with his weight.

“If I could stay light, I’d love to stay on the flat but if not I’ll have no problem going jumping.”

Marnane winner

Jockey Luke McAteer partnered a first winner for trainer David Marnane when winning the Ballyduane Stud Handicap on the MRC International-owned Amemri.

Sent off 11/2 joint-favourite, the daughter of Time Test led over a furlong out and held on to score by a head from faster-finishing Master Garvey.

McAteer remarked: “When I turned in she picked up easily although I was in front a bit soon. I’d ridden a few times for David in the past but that’s my first winner for him.”