Chris Hayes aiming to complete full house of Irish Flat track wins at Laytown

Multiple Classic-winning rider Chris Hayes will attempt to complete a full house of wins at Irish tracks where Flat racing can be held on a trio of live chances at Laytown's beach meeting on Thursday.

After Covid-related interruptions which saw the 2020 card abandoned and 2021 fixture deferred by two months, a strong turnout is expected at the unique seaside track for the annual event's return to its usual September slot.

Hayes has partnered winners at 25 different courses in Ireland, including the now-closed Tralee, but the County Meath venue remains the 35-year-old jockey's last unconquered home track.

Connections of his opening ride Gegenpressing appear sweet on their chances of providing Hayes with his landmark victory in the 6f Tote Always SP Or Better At Laytown Handicap (4.50), after the pair teamed up to win at Sligo last month.

Hayes is 0-15 at Laytown since his first mount there in 2006, but has had two seconds, two thirds and three fourths.

"We're going there with as good a chance as we think we can have," said joint-trainer Patrick Harty, who operates under a dual licence with his father Eddie.

Racing at Laytown takes place on ThursdayCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

"It'll be our first runner there as a training partnership, but I don't think Eddie ever had a runner at Laytown on his own either, so we're breaking new ground. It'd be great to give Chris his final piece of the jigsaw.

"Gegenpressing is still well handicapped on some of his best form and is one of those quirky individuals who enjoys summer tracks like Sligo, a place to make things interesting. I think he'll like Laytown."

Hayes will have further chances to break his Laytown duck with recent winner Caesar's Comet (5.20) and the capable Coeur D'or (6.25).

Meath-based trainer Mick Mulvany has only one runner in his bid for a first course success, The Blue Panther, who takes on Gegenpressing in the opening handicap at 4.50. He arrives in fine form after a decisive win for Mulvany at Gowran Park last week.

"We had been a bit disappointed with him but it was good to see him get his head in front again last time," said Mulvany.

"He doesn't have the cheekpieces on like last time but we're hoping the beach might spark him up. He's always shown us plenty of ability at home, it's just been a case of getting it out of him."

Mulvany, who is 0-13 at Laytown, added: "It's nice to get a winner anywhere but it would be lovely to get one here given where we're based."

Michael Mulvany (right): 'It's nice to get a winner anywhere but it would be lovely to get one here given where we're based'Credit: Patrick McCann

Cheltenham Festival-winning jockey Denis O'Regan is much better known for his exploits over jumps, but he will attempt to move within one step of completing his own full set of wins at Irish courses when riding True Artist in the 7f Pride Of Place Maiden (6.25).

O'Regan has ridden winners at all Irish tracks with the exception of Dundalk and Laytown, and has had just five rides at the seaside track, the last in 2008.

True Artist, trained by Ger O'Leary, refused to race at Clonmel last week but showed winning potential when runner-up in three maidens this year.

O'Leary said: "He's been a bit reticent to come out of the stalls but we've been doing work with him during the week with a Monty Roberts rug [an aid for loading nervous horses]. If he does pop out, hopefully he'll give a good account.

"Denis been very helpful to us with schooling and is a real horseman. It'd be nice to help him get closer to the full set."

Read this next:

'He went out in a blaze of glory' - Minzaal retired after injury in Sprint Cup

Racing Post Live is your ultimate racing watchalong every Saturday and during major festivals. Our experts offer uninterrupted tips, analysis and reactions to the ITV action. Subscribe to the Racing Post YouTube channel here and never miss a minute