Artistic Integrity wins for Lyons and Keane © Photo Healy Racing
The money came for Artistic Integrity at Gowran Park and it proved spot on as the three-year-old shed his maiden status in the seven furlong handicap.
Having opened at 7/2 at the track, he sharply contracted to 2/1 favourite on the off. Punters were hoping that a step up in trip from the six furlong races he had competed in would do the trick.
Like the other Ger Lyons and Colin Keane winner on the card (Angel Of Joy), he was sent into an early lead which he never relinquished. Having asserted at the furlong pole he came in three lengths to the good over Right First and Wayne Lordan.
Right First attracted money during the day from 3s down to 2/1, however, it was a different story at the track as she eased out to 11/4 from 2/1. Paddy Mac had plenty of supporters claiming a place dividend in third, as he was punted from 8/1 to 9/2 on course.
Successful trainer Ger Lyons said: “That's Colin claim gone and it's great. That horse is in again on Thursday [at Leopardstown] and he will probably go again. He got an easy lead today and he just took it and kept it simple. He is a Dutch Art and I thought he was all speed. He was badly outpaced in Cork and it didn't take a genius to work out that I had him in the wrong race.
“We said we would step him up today and see where we are with him. Hopefully we will go through the grades with him and see how high we get with him. He is a nice horse to have and he will progress. He has done some growing from two to now. I'm delighted for Colin and fingers crossed now that we will just finish off the season in the form we are in.”
This winner saw Colin Keane ride out his 3lb claim.
Additional reporting by Donal Murphy
