Better luck for Keys and Keatley

Thebarrowman unfortunately finished lame after his fifth place effort at Fairyhouse on Monday but owner David Keys and trainer Adrian Keatley enjoyed better luck at the County Meath venue today when Drumconnor Lad (8s into 6s) came out on top in the Lilly Bain Bathroom and Tiles Supporting Newry RFC Maiden Hurdle.

Noel Meade and Sean Flanagan had a winner yesterday with Showem Silver, a son of Winged Love.

This time the Tu Va team had to play second fiddle to a Winged Love gelding as Drumconnor Lad got the better of the Meade runner Tamlough Boy (not fluent two out) by half a length with Davy Russell up.

They drew fifteen lengths clear of the third home, Coeur Joyeux

"That was a long time coming but to be fair he was unlucky at Christmas to bump into a very smart horse at Leopardstown," said Keatley.

"We discovered in between times that he doesn't want that real soft, heavy winter ground.

"On a bit of nicer ground there today we've seen a lot better from him.

"Davy gave him a super ride as well. He's ultra professional and he knows where to have them in front.

"He'll go to Punchestown now, hopefully if he's alright, for the two-and-a-half handicap on the Saturday.

"We'll keep him and are in no rush to put him away. He'll have to get a break at some stage but there is plenty of good prize-money to be picked up in the summer.

"He wants that type of track though, a big galloping track. Over fences is probably when he's going to come into his own."

D.N. Russell, rider of Drumconnor Lad, trained by Adrian Paul Keatley, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount leaned to the left in the latter stages of this race.

(GC & EM)