Hamish hits the target in Finale Stakes

William Haggas’ much-loved Hamish gave connections another reason to be proud when winning the Curragh On Course Bookmakers Finale Stakes.

The eight-year-old is a seasoned campaigner with eight Group Three titles to his name and was most recently seen finishing just half a length behind Francis-Henri Graffard’s King George winner Goliath in the Prix du Conseil de Paris.

His Curragh assignment was a step down in grade to Listed level and he was the 10-11 favourite under Richard Kingscote, but those odds were made to look perfectly justified as he cantered to an easy five-length win.

“I think that’s what we wanted to see and what we know he can do. We got a nice run around from a good draw,” the rider said.

“Mr Haggas asked me to be handy. He did ask me not to be in front too long, so that bit was not ideal, but he got his head down and did everything right. That ground is what they look for with him.

“He’s mixed it with some very good stayers and has been a very good servant. The Haggas family are very fond of him.”

Mark Fahey’s Rhythm King took home a decent pot in the Curragh On Course Bookmakers Premier Handicap.

Ridden by Dylan Brown McMonagle at odds of 14-1, the four-year-old built on a good success last time out to come home half a length to the good.

Fahey said of the gelding: “He is very tough and genuine.

“I didn’t think today was going to be a day for him as he always wins going around a bend.

“He had a hard enough race in Galway but he’s tough and had a light weight on his back today. He’s not the biggest horse in the world and everything fell right for him.

“It’s great for Claire and Andrew (Lennon, owner-breeders) to win a premier handicap here and he’s one to look forward to for next year.”