Hales hails Public victory

EDDIE HALES, based at Dundrum, Co Tipperary and one of the more colourful characters in the game, enjoyed a welcome turn when Public Reaction sprang a 16-1 surprise in the two mile October Race at Thurles yesterday.

“I’ve got grey hairs since I last saw you lot,” quipped Hales, whose main business is selling, to the assembled members of the press.

The winner made most and found plenty for Wayne Lordan in the closing stages to resist the persistent challenge of Impersonator.