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Jockey compares himself to Del Boy Trotter after ‘bluffing’ his way to success

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Jockey compares himself to Del Boy Trotter after ‘bluffing’ his way to success

Chris Hayes claimed his first British Classic victory on Ezeliya to give veteran trainer Dermot Weld a second Oaks win, 43 years his first with Blue Wind

Oaks-winning jockey Chris Hayes(Getty Images)

An elated jockey likened himself to one of Britain’s favourite TV comedy characters after winning the £550,000 Betfred Oaks on Friday.

“He who dares wins,” was one of the signature catchphrases of Derek ‘Del Boy’ Trotter from the BBC classic ‘Only Fools And Horses’. Irishman Chris Hayes, 36, having only his second ride in the Epsom Classic, dared to dream on the Aga Khan filly Ezeliya.




And everything was cushty after his wish was granted when she stretched clear of Godolphin’s Dance Sequence to claim a second Oaks victory for veteran trainer Dermot Weld, 43 years after he last won the race with the Lester Piggott-ridden Blue Wind.

There was no joy for the King and Queen, who visited Epsom to see their horse Treasure contest the race, but she beat only one horse home after racing towards the front.

Hayes, who stood up in his irons in celebration as he crossed the line, told ITV Racing: “It was Lester Piggott that rode Blue Wind and I’m no Lester Piggott.

“Look at her, she’s a queen, a strong-travelling filly. I just wanted to keep momentum on her and angle her out at the top of the straight. I knew she’d stay, I knew she had class.”

Hayes won the apprentice championship three times before joining the senior ranks in which he is now enjoying the most productive spell of his career since becoming Weld’s first choice rider.

Chris Hayes celebrates Oaks victory on Ezeliya(Getty Images)

Not that he was prepared to accept any praise. “I’m like Del Boy Trotter now,” he said. “I’m just bluffing my way through.

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