Chris Hayes to ride for Fozzy Stack

Fozzy Stack has announced Chris Hayes will join his team as first stable jockey next year.

Stack will take over the training duties from his father Tommy next term and is delighted to have recruited dual Classic-winning rider Hayes, who has been with trainer Kevin Prendergast since 2004.

The 29-year-old partnered Prendergast's Awtaad to victory in the Irish 2,000 Guineas this year and with former first rider Billy Lee staying with the Stack team, Hayes will still be able to ride for his long-term associate when appropriate.

Stack told www.stackracing.live: "I am looking forward to working with Chris after the Dubai Carnival and hopefully we'll have some good times together. He was champion apprentice three times, which is a rare achievement, and is a Classic winning rider.

"Billy Lee, who had a brilliant season, will stay on in some capacity too and he will be used as Chris will still have the choice to ride for Kevin Prendergast when he so wishes."

Stack is looking forward to taking the reins next term, but expects his father to maintain his presence in the yard.

He added: "It's a work in progress and I am looking forward to it, while very thankful to the owners I have for their support. As ever, you're looking for nice horses. Dad might be retired but he is certainly not gone away and he will play a key role."