IT is shaping up to be a week of fast horses, planes and automobiles for one of the most in-form riders in Ireland, Chris Hayes.

Hot on the heels of landing the Betfred Oaks a fortnight ago on the highly-talented Ezeliya for Dermot Weld and the Aga Khan, the multiple classic-winning jockey has been enjoying an excellent period on home soil.

Ahead of last night’s action at Cork, Hayes had registered four winners from his previous six racing days - including victory in a €50,000 premier handicap at the Curragh and the Listed Glencairn Stakes at Leopardstown. Being rightfully rewarded for his efforts, there are now more big-race opportunities in the offing this weekend.

In tomorrow’s Group 1 Prix de Diane (3.05) at Chantilly, the 36-year-old has received an exciting call-up to ride the Aga Khan’s Candala, who is vying for second favourite spot with layers after her latest win in the Group 3 Prix de la Grotte.

In preparation for the classic mount, Hayes boarded a flight to France this week to sit on the Francis Graffard-trained daughter of Frankel and is looking forward to the €1 million contest.

Hayes, who is bidding for his first victory in France, told The Irish Field: “I got a call last week to ride this filly, and was asked if I’d like to sit on her in advance of that. I jumped at the chance.

“I sat on her on Monday morning and liked her a lot. I thought she was a nice filly and is obviously progressive. Her trial run was very good and they’ve given her time since that [in mid-April] because it came on very heavy ground.

Wide draw

“From the feel I got, and the form she has, the ground won’t be an issue to me. The only drawback is the draw [in stall 12 of 14] but I suppose that’s what I’m getting paid for!”

France is not the only overseas journey Hayes is facing this weekend. He has also been booked to ride the Shadwell-owned, William Haggas-trained Elmonjed in the £100,000 Churchill Tyres Supporting Macmillan Sprint Handicap (3.35).

A promising winner on his first two starts as a juvenile last year over six furlongs, he is the 7/1 joint-favourite with some firms for this ultra-competitive handicap.

On his own fine run of form, Hayes said: “It almost feels like things have changed in a way since winning the Oaks. Why? I don’t know. All the ducks just seem to be coming into a row. People are telling me I’m riding better but I don’t feel any different than I did six weeks ago. You take that bit of confidence from a big win too.”

Ascot hopes

Hayes is also expected to be active at Royal Ascot and added of his hopes for the week: “Coeur d’Or owes us nothing. I rarely get to ride him in his work but when I do, you’re just left smiling - he’s a character and one of the yard stalwarts. I’m sure he’ll give his best account in the Royal Hunt Cup.

“You’d like to think the track, trip and ground would suit Kayhana if connections decide to go for the Kensington Palace Stakes.

“Taraj is entered in the sale on Monday night and I suppose we’ll be waiting until then to see what happens. I’d obviously like to ride him [in the Hampton Court] but it can depend if he’s sold to owners who may have a retained rider or want someone else. If it all falls right, I’d also look forward to riding Katie McGivern’s Kendall Roy [in the Palace of Holyroodhouse Stakes] on Friday.

“The rides I might have probably aren’t going to start off favourite but they could have sneaky little chances. You’d be looking forward to maybe pulling off a surprise.”