Monasterboice lands hat-trick despite stalls drama

The Noel Meade trained Monasterboice completed a hat-trick of wins when making all the running under Colin Keane to land the Tote.ie Rated Race at Killarney.

Off the mark in a maiden over this course and distance at the July Festival, the three-year-old followed up when again adopting front running tactics in a handicap at Galway last time.

Supporters of the 3/1 chance had a real scare just before the off, as the gelding reared in the stalls before dislodging jockey Colin Keane.

However, thanks to the quick actions of the stalls handlers, the Noel Meade trained runner was swiftly removed before being rehoused after passing the vet.

Smartly into stride from the gates, Keane made just about all. Four Blondes looked a serious danger early in the straight as Shane Foley travelled ominously well on the Ross O'Sullivan trained filly.

However, when she arrived upsides Monasterboice insde the final furlong, the hat-trick seeking gelding showed admirable battling qualities to stay on strongly to win by half-a-length.

Colin Keane said: "The final horse to load was being a bit difficult to go in and he (Monasterboice) became impatient and was getting uneasy. We took him out and he was sound so we were happy to run."

He added "Since he won here the first day, he seems to have got a new lease of life. We used to take our time with him, since we started making the running he is inclined not to let horses get by him, which is a brilliant thing.

"He was an expensive enough breezer, we thought he'd have no trouble winning a maiden as a two year old so were scratching our heads at the start of this year. Since changing tactics, he hasn't looked back and he doesn't win by too far, which is always a good thing.

"He appreciates an ease in the ground and comes to this time of year, he'll get plenty of that."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes.