ON Tuesday afternoon, Chris Hayes is sitting in his living room, looking at a portrait of his Irish St Leger win on Voleuse De Coeurs. A time for reflection. The painting was gifted to him by Lady Chryss O’Reilly, whose black and white silks and white-starred blue cap Hayes wore on the daughter of Teofilo. In 12 days’ time, it will be 10 years to the day of that success, Hayes’ first classic; but as fate would have it, the 36-year-old has been reflecting over the memory for the last few days, due to the untimely and tragic passing of the influential and popular owner/breeder.

You always remember the people that helped you on your way. Lady O’Reilly was instrumental in the career of Chris Hayes and he has never lost sight of that.