Lyons 1-2 in Remembering Nick Columb race

Reshod at the start after spreading a plate, Pythion wasn’t that far off the principals, sixth of the seven in the preceding Group Two Beresford Stakes. His connections rounded off the day in style in the closing handicap as Omran led home a 1-2 for Ger Lyons.

Colin Keane donned David Spratt’s colours on Pythion, but in the Remembering Nick Columb Handicap he was on Bucky Larson as Gary Carroll put on the familiar yellow and green on Omran.

Supported into 10/1 from 12s, Omran, on start four for Lyons, got there in time to touch off stable companion Bucky Larson by half a length.

"It's nice to get off the cold list in a race named after Nick," said Lyons.

"He had a horse with me this year, California Daddy, and it's unfortunate that he died.

"It's been a frustrating month. Horses haven't been running bad but they've been running their races and just being chinned.

"It's what you've to get used to over here when you're taking on who we're taking on.

"One of them had to be second and the other wins but it's nice to get back in the winners enclosure and it's very nice that Mark Richards (friend and colleague of Nick Columb) is over here to present the trophy.

"Well done to Dermot Cantillon for naming the race after him. It's a lovely idea with the sales week that is on and everything, a lovely gesture.

"I'm just delighted as we knew Nick. As I said it was the first year he had a horse with us and unfortunately he passed away. As they say some of these things are written in the stars."

D.P. McDonogh, rider of Check Your Pockets (USA), trained by John E. Kiely, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount caught a heel after 50 yards.

The Stewards requested a report from G.M.Lyons, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of Omran (GB), placed first, as compared with its recent form. The trainer reported that he has been a disappointing sort in general but that things worked out for him today. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the explanation offered.

(GC & EM)