Keane moves on to 131 with Leopardstown 24/1 brace

There was a double on the day for record breaking champion jockey Colin Keane as he moved on to the 131-winner mark for the campaign aboard the impressive Lunar Power in the penultimate event at Leopardstown.

Keane, earlier on the mark for his boss Ger Lyons on Georgeville in the Listed Trigo Stakes, took the reins on Lunar Power for Noel Meade in the Carmanhall Handicap. Britzka and Magic Word chased home at distances of six lengths and three parts of a length, but there was just no living with the 4/1 scorer as he brought a sequence of four second placed finishes to an end.

“That was amazing. He’s been running all year with blinkers and cheek-pieces but we took everything off today and maybe he’s better off without them," said Meade.

“I don’t know why he seemed to be so much better today. He picked up and quickened very well. Going even further will probably suit him better.

“I’d imagine he’ll try jumping again. He’s basically a summer horse so he’ll have a break over the winter.”

S. Foley, rider of Goodnight Kiss trained by Mrs John Harrington, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount leaned right throughout.

C.D. Hayes, rider of Female Approach trained by Noel Meade, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount slipped on the first bend.

M.P. Sheehy, rider of Monty's Way trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount slipped on the first bend.

S.T. McCullagh, rider of McPherson (GB) trained by Mrs John Harrington, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung left throughout.

(AM & EM)