Yellow silks Colin Keane chases the leaders on eventual winner Celtic Crown approaching the straight© Photo Healy Racing
On the back of an Ulster Oaks third placing last time, Celtic Crown ran out a convincing winner of the Sneem Handicap to give the man to follow at Killarney, John Murphy, a double.
Robbie Colgan rode the earlier Highfort Stud scorer, Turbulence at odds of 22/1, but the win of Celtic Crown was much more clearly anticipated by the market pre-race.
She went off at the top of the betting at 5/2, and in the hands of Colin Keane she was held up mid-division, before taking closer order in fifth at the halfway stage.
Making progress travelling well over two furlongs out, Celtic Crown challenged and was soon on terms.
Leading a furlong and a half out she soon asserted, staying on well inside the final furlong to beat Imposing Supreme by two and a quarter lengths.
"She is very tough, genuine and has been unlucky two or three times. She deserved that, goes on any ground and these are hard horses to get,” said Murphy.
"Her owners have had a hard time with covid, they are Florida based and come over regularly but it has been difficult this year. Robert (Moran) is an owner/breeder and while she'll continue in handicaps, it would be great if she eventually got black-type."
J.A. Powell, rider of Royal Pippen trained by S. Donohoe, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung left all the way in this race.
D. McMonagle, rider of Wee Pablo trained by Patrick Martin, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung left during this race.
W.M. Lordan, rider of Well Suited trained by T.J. O'Mara, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount got tight for room in the straight.
The Stewards enquired into an incident about one furlong from the finish involving Royal Pippen, ridden by J.A. Powell, placed fourth, Wee Pablo, ridden by D. McMonagle, unplaced and Well Suited, ridden by W.M. Lordan, unplaced, where it appeared that Well Suited checked when tight for room. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. In his evidence W.M. Lordan stated that he got pressure from Royal Pippen on his outside and had to check. D. McMonagle stated that while his mount was not handling the ground, he had maintained a straight line. J.A. Powell stated that his mount was hanging to the left and ducked in when he changed his whip hand. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that the incident was caused by J.A. Powell riding carelessly, this being a breach of Rule 214. Having taken his previous record into consideration, the Stewards suspended J.A. Powell for three racedays. Mr. P.D. Matthews, Acting Steward absented himself from this enquiry and was replaced by Mr. M.F. O'Donoghue.
(TW & EM)
