Darragh O'Keeffe pictured with Mum Catherine and sister Lauren after his Tramore treble© Photo Healy Racing
Darragh O'Keeffe completed a sparkling 305/1 treble, the first of his career, on 5/1 chance Pythion in the handicap chase.
Classy on the Flat for Ger Lyons, the six-year-old was having his fourth start over fences having won a maiden hurdle at Listowel last summer. O'Keeffe always had him close to the pace and he gave chase to the pace-setting Jack Holiday from four out. He mastered that rival between the final two fences and strode clear to win by six lengths with Eagle Moon another three parts of a length back in third.
O'Keeffe's earlier winners had come aboard Morepowertoya and Shantou Warrior
Winning trainer Michael Winters said: "Darragh looked for the ride and that was probably an omen. Darragh was sweet enough on him, he rode him in Ballinrobe and while well-beaten, he galloped all the way to the line. Good ground might be the key to him as well.
"For a good class horse on the level he isn't finding a lot off the bridle. I was disappointed with him in Clonmel the last day I thought he emptied a small bit. There is no pressure whatsoever from the owners. When they have all the good horses on the flat this is just a bit of fun.
"I suppose we will keep him to two miles and he could come back here in August if there is a race for him."
Quotes from Donal Murphy
