Panama Hat pounces under inspired Chris Hayes

Successful off 75 in a handicap on this card last year (middle leg of a five-time in handicaps) and now rated 108, the Andy Oliver-trained Panama Hat landed the listed Lenabane Stakes in Roscommon last night under an inspired ride by Chris Hayes.

The tough five-year-old, normally ridden prominently, was tried in blinkers for the first time but appeared to sulk and struggle for most of the journey, with Hayes “stoking him along” in the words of his trainer.

Still last turning into the straight as Drifting Mist continued to stretch the field, Hayes made his move on the outside and Panama Hat stayed on dourly to lead inside the final furlong and beat Altesse by a length, with Toe The Line two lengths away third.