52/1 Dundalk double up for champ Keane

After winning for his boss Ger Lyons earlier aboard Thunder Kiss Colin Keane doubled up on the all-weather this evening, on Des Donovan’s Tipperary Moon in the Find Us On Facebook @dundalkstadium Handicap (division one).

Taking the reins on the William Flynn owned and bred four-year-old for the second time, Keane forced the 13/2 victor past Manhattan Dandy inside the final furlong.

‘The finisher’ then, was favourite Sister Lola but Tipperary Moon did enough to hold that one by three parts of a length.

It was the same distance to the aforementioned Manhattan Dandy in third.

Tipperary Moon was assisted by first time cheek-pieces and he was shedding his maiden tag at the 8th attempt.

“The cheek-pieces worked and he got a good ride from Colin Keane,” said Donovan.

“He got him across, I thought we were going to be in trouble with the draw but he jumped well.

“Colin said he should win again and said to go on the grass with him now. We'll see what the handicapper does.

“He was running off 51 tonight and he should improve.

“I wanted him to win because we have the mother at home and she's due to foal soon.”

The Stewards enquired into an incident just after the six furlong marker involving Tipperary Moon, ridden by C.T. Keane, Palabres ridden by T.P. Madden, Manhattan Dandy, ridden by M.P. Sheehy, and Tagg's Island ridden by N.G. McCullagh, where it appeared the field tightened on the inner.

Evidence was heard from the riders concerned.

M.P. Sheehy gave his evidence in the presence of Mr. L. Cleary.

M.P. Sheehy stated that his mount broke slowly but he took her forward to the rail where she raced keenly and got a bump from the outside.

T.P. Madden stated that his mount broke smartly and he allowed her to roll forward, however she lacks a gear and there was more speed in front of him and he took back.

N.G. McCullagh stated that he broke well, he stayed straight to the poles where the field funnelled, his mount charged a little and he reined back and got tightened for a stride or two.

C.T. Keane stated that his mount jumped well and he gradually went across after the marker poles where the inner got tight for a stride.

Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards considered that the incident was caused by accidental interference and therefore took no further action.

(GC & EM)