Keane/Lyons double up with Beckoning

Colin Keane and Ger Lyons completed a quick double at Dundalk when Beckoning got the better of a protracted duel with Trophy Doll in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Auction Maiden.

The Kodiac filly was well-backed over the previous 24 hours with early offers of 6/1 soon snapped up, and she eventually went to post the evens favourite for her debut.

Keane and Pat Smullen have fought out a number of thrilling finishes here over the past few months, and it was the former who again just had the upper hand over his great rival.

Beckoning just got her head in front where it mattered with the winning margin the bare minimum of a nose. Darkolva was two and a quarter lengths back in third.

Lyons’ brother and assistant Shane said, “She came from the breeze up’s. We’ve had her a few months and have always liked her.

“Colin was half regretting that he took her back and let them crowd around her but she is after learning an awful lot there and winning as well. There was no point coming wide and learning nothing.

“She showed that she has a bit of speed at home and also has stamina with it. She will get a mile no problem. That could be it for the winter.”