Kafu comes home a clear cut winner under Colin Keane© Photo Healy Racing
It's now Donnacha O'Brien 109, Colin Keane 103 in the race to be crowned champion jockey, after the latter partnered Kafu to victory in the Book Your Christmas Party At Dundalk Handicap.
Without a win in eight starts this year, the Ger Lyons trained victor certainly wasn't winning out of turn, having filled the runner-up spot on his two most recent efforts.
Sent off the 5/2 favourite, from 3s on-course, the chestnut son of No Nay Never was prominent in the early stages before soon settling in mid-division on the inner.
He took closer order from early in the straight and was ridden to lead from the furlong pole, keeping on well from there to register a comfortable length and a half success. Calling Time (16/1) ran on well to take second under Tom Madden for Jessica Harrington, while the Anthony McCann trained Mutadaawel (9/2) was another length and a quarter back in third.
"He's a horse that we thought a lot of at the start of the year but for whatever reason he went keen at home and turned into a horrible horse," said Keane.
"Charlie Green rides him every day and he's worked wonders on him, he's changed his attitude completely.
"His last few runs have been what we thought he would have done at the start of the year.
"By right he should have won in Leopardstown with me and a wide draw over seven probably just didn't suit him the last day with Gary.
"Going a mile today, with a good draw, he showed himself to good effect.
"I'd say he'll come back next year unless there is something else for him and the boss wants to keep him.
"He's probably a horse that could progress next year."
The winner is owned by David Spratt, Sean Jones & Lynne Lyons.
STEWARDS REPORTS
S.M. Mooney, rider of Aussie Valentine trained by Adrian McGuinness, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was slowly away.
R.P. Whelan, rider of Sky Seven trained by M.Halford, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount got hammered coming out of stalls.
K.J. Manning, rider of Wee Jim trained by Luke Comer, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was slowly away.
O.J. Orr, rider of Koybig trained by David Marnane, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was wiped out after 50 yards.
The Stewards enquired into an incident shortly after leaving the stalls involving Sky Seven, ridden by R.P. Whelan, Tony The Gent ridden by S.M. Crosse, Phoenix Open (USA), ridden by G.F. Carroll, Mutadaawel, ridden by G.M. Ryan, Koybig, ridden by O.J. Orr, and Malbas (GB), ridden by J.M. Sheridan, where it appeared that a number of runners were forced to check when Malbas (GB) moved significantly left on leaving the starting stalls. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. J.M. Sheridan gave his evidence in the presence of Pat Martin. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards found J.M. Sheridan in breach of Rule 214 by riding carelessly and having taken his record into account suspended him for 4 race days. The Stewards also found J.M. Sheridan in breach of Rule 211 (marker poles) and having taken his record in this regard into account cautioned the rider.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
