Chris Hayes: winning Guineas on Madhmoon would be for my mum

No matter what Madhmoon goes on to achieve this season, he will always be a very special horse for multiple Group 1-winning rider Chris Hayes.

Kevin Prendergast's unbeaten colt is under consideration for the English and Irish 2,000 Guineas and provided Hayes with an unforgettable moment last year.

After making an impressive debut when winning a Leopardstown maiden last season, Madhmoon confirmed himself above average when following up in the Group 2 KPMG Champions Juvenile Stakes at the track, with Hayes visibly emotional when he passed the line.

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Hayes explained: "It’s always special riding a good one for the boss [Prendergast], and riding Madhmoon to win on Irish Champions Weekend last season was fantastic, but the reason why I was so emotional about the whole thing was because my mam, who wasn’t well at the time, was watching in at home.

"Sadly mam has since passed, and I think deep down I knew Madhmoon would be the last good horse she’d watch me riding.

"When I passed the line in front it was just pure raw emotion and I can remember somebody saying something to me afterwards and I burst out crying – that’s what it meant.”

Madhmoon, whose dam is a half-sister to the dam of the stable's Irish 2,000 Guineas winner Awtaad, has always been highly regarded, and the signs are he has done exceptionally well for a winter’s break, according to the rider.

Madhmoon could be very special according to jockey Chris HayesCredit: Alan Crowhurst Getty images

Hayes said: “I can remember when the boss asked me to sit up on him early last season and I said to myself, ‘Jesus, what is this thing'.

"Sure enough, he kept stepping up and progressing as he should have and he looks to have outstanding credentials for the season ahead.

"He was ultra-impressive as a two-year-old and he looks as though he’s matured physically and mentally. He feels unbelievable right now and, while I don’t ask too many questions, the boss mentioned that he goes for a Guineas Trial [at Leopardstown] and then we’ll take things from there.”

The rider added: “He looks a bit special and he could be anything really. Any horse heading into a Classic campaign with the credentials he has, you have to be excited.

“It means a lot to be riding a horse as good as him for the boss and if he’s a good horse, like we think he is, he’s in very capable hands. He’s one of the shining lights for the Shadwell team this season and we’re all really looking forward to him.”

Chris Hayes (left) shared the Ayr Gold Cup with Cameron Noble last seasonCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Hayes has been operating inside the top bracket of riders for the best part of a decade and last season was his best yet with 57 winners.

The chances are the rider can build on that tally with the backing of Prendergast, Fozzy Stack and more recently Dermot Weld.

Hayes said: "I’m in a great position in that I’m riding for some very loyal people and, while I won’t be challenging Donnacha O’Brien for the championship, I’ll be happy if I can keep everyone happy and ride as many winners as I can.

Watch: Madhmoon win the Group 2 Champions Juvenile Stakes

"As well as riding for the boss, I will be riding for Fozzy Stack, who seems to have a lovely bunch, and with Patrick Prendergast teaming up with John Oxx, it has freed up a morning to allow me in and ride for Dermot Weld every Wednesday.

"I was shocked and delighted to receive that call and it was brilliant to get a ride for the team at Naas on Sunday.

He added: "I’m just very lucky in that I’ve so much to look forward to and all of that is without mentioning the backing of Harry Rogers and Richard O’Brien, so hopefully I have a nice season ahead. You’re only as good as the horses you’re riding so who knows what the season will bring."

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