Halford & Keane combine for doubles, bookies beaten again

Bookmakers were inflicted their sixth defeat of the opening seven races at Dundalk this evening as trainer Michael Halford and jockey Colin Keane teamed up for a double in the Light Up Your Night Handicap (div 1) with well supported Lady De Vesci

The list of what looks like losing races for bookmakers began with Miss Jabeam (7/1 morning to 11/4f) in the opener, before Amanaat (7/1 to 4/1), Equitant (100/30 morning to 6/4f), Dawn Trouper (7/2 to 9/4), Massif Central (6/1 morning to 3/1jf) and the set of results was capped by Lady De Vesci's late plunge from 9/4 to 6/4 favourite. Calling Time s 25/1 win in the third race was the only reprieve for the layers.

Following Lady De Vesci's win, jockey Colin Keane said “before I rode her the last time Michael was saying she was only getting the hang of racing because she was a bit keen earlier in her career.

“She’s settling better now with racing, and in time is a filly that will probably get further. You might see a bit more improvement when steps up in trip.

“The filly who beat her the last day (Too Precious) came out quickly and won again so the form was in the book for her.”

Owner/breeder Frank Sommer is based in Germany.

Quotes from Alan Magee