97 and counting for brilliant Keane

"This is Colin Keane's night, this is Colin Keane's year, he's gone ten clear and that's the championship," said commentator Des Scahill as the man of the moment in the weigh-room again pleased many a punter in bringing up a Dundalk treble. The 194/1 hat-trick was completed aboard Tom McCourt's Ben Rumson in the concluding race, division two of the Crowne Plaza Hotel Dundalk Handicap.

Owned by Sarah and Sean Foran and trained by Tom McCourt, Ben Rumson was bringing up a three timer of his own having won here under Keane on September 29th and October 13th.

Keane, earlier victorious on Overcoming for his boss, Ger Lyons, and Bid Adieu for Tom Cooper, had plenty of faith in Ben Rumson.

His confident and patient approach on the five-year-old paid off as he eventually came through from the back to inflict a one and three parts of a length defeat on High Kicker (Pat Smullen's fourth 2nd of the night).

"We were just hoping there would be a bit of pace and Colin wasn't sure where the pace was going to come from," said McCourt.

"They went a good gallop and Colin was seriously confident. He knows him very well. He said he was a little bit worried across the back when he got too far behind but he said once he gets up between horses he grabs a hold of it.

"He was more impressive tonight and probably won't get away as easy with the handicapper.

"He's been great this year and seems to love it around here. Hopefully we can tip away for another while with him."

K.J. Leonard, rider of Shamar (FR) trained by R. K. Watson, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung all down the back straight.

The Stewards interviewed A.M. Glynn, rider of Meadow Cross concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race.

Evidence was heard from the rider concerned in the presence of Meghan Donovan, representing Denis Gerard hogan, trainer and Master of the rider.

Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that the rider was in breach of Regulation 10.3(g), in that he had used his whip with the arm above shoulder height.

Having taken his previous record in this regard into account, the Stewards cautioned him.

(GC & EM)