Panama Hat defies handicapper and draw to complete five-timer

The Andy Oliver-trained Panama Hat completed a superb five-timer when defying the handicapper and a high draw in yesterday’s finale in Dundalk, the featured, €50,000 Red God Handicap.

With Fran Berry deputising for regular partner Chris Hayes (injured a wrist in a fall in Tramore on Saturday) Panama Hat, from stall thirteen, was unable to dominate from the front but, always close up, was in front early in the straight before staying on courageously to beat He’s Our Music by two and a half lengths with Ned’s Indian third.

It was a notable performance by Team Valor’s three-year-old Medicean gelding, racing off a mark of 96, a massive 36lb higher than when he started his winning sequence at Leopardstown on June 19.