Mooretown Lad flashes home late to give Keane treble

Having won both Group 3 races earlier in the evening, Colin Keane completed a treble when delivering Mooretown Lad from off a strong pace to land Division ll of the BoyleSports Lengthen The Odds Handicap at Leopardstown.

Fifth on his handicap debut over a mile here last month, the Michael O'Callaghan trained four-year-old benefited from both that experience and an additional furlong.

Held up towards rear in the initial stages, Keane made headway into mid division early in the straight but still had work to do as Smaoineamh Sile kicked three lengths clear out in front.

Staying on strongly inside the final furlong, the gelding got up close home for a somewhat cosy length success.

Michael O’Callaghan said: “He’s been a work in progress all along. He’s a full brother to I Am Superman but takes more after his half-brother Fastnet Crown — a slow learner, immature physically and just takes time and more time.

“Whatever he does this year he should be better next year. Michael Smith bred him and bred all the family. It means a lot to him, and I’m delighted for him.

“I’d say he’ll get a mile and a quarter no problem. We might put him away until next year.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee.