William Haggas and Chris Hayes continue good strike rate as First Instinct returns victorious

“I love when Mr Haggas sends them over – we have a good strike rate together,” said Hayes. 

FIRST: First Instinct and Chris Hayes win for trainer William Haggas. Pic: Healy Racing

William Haggas and Chris Hayes have teamed up 12 times in Ireland and when their latest venture, First Instinct, returned victorious in the listed Goffs Irish EBF Polonia Stakes on a sun-soaked Tuesday evening in Cork, it boosted their strike-rate to an impressive 50%.

The filly, a well-backed 4-1 chance, started quickly and consequently raced quite keenly, but she showed class in abundance as she picked up to lead inside the final furlong before digging in deep to fend off Town And Country with a head to spare.