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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Champion jockey Keane wins on his only ride in Ballinrobe

Mon 23rd Jul 2018, 20:49

Small Bit Of Love kept up to her work by Colin KeaneSmall Bit Of Love kept up to her work by Colin Keane
© Photo Healy Racing

Champion jockey Colin Keane's only ride on the Ballinrobe card was a winning one as Small Bit Of Love (3/1) took the extended mile and five handicap by a length and a half.

Willie Mullins' charge led entering the straight and soon had the race in the bag. She saw her lead reduced in the closing stages by a staying-on Head Turner who was unable to reel her in.

Colin Keane said: "I suppose she had the form coming here - her last run was a good run in Dundalk.

"Leigh Roche, I think, said she made a noise that day so he told them to put a tongue-tie on her.

"She didn't make any noises today so it must have worked.

"The step up in trip was a help as well. We went a nice gallop the whole way.

"I'd say there's another one in her." Bibliotheca the 5/2 favourite, weakened out of contention in the final three furlongs to come in behind in fifth.

Keane was also due to partner Bridge Native in the final race but this mare was ruled out due to being in season.

Additional reporting by Eamonn Murphy

1st
3/1
Tote €2.90 €1.80
2nd
1.5L
6/1
€2.90
3rd
4.25L
4/1
4th
0.5L
4/1
bf
9.5L
5/2Fav
About Michael Graham
Michael has worked in horse racing journalism for more than 15 years, having also written a weekly betting column on Gaelic football and hurling for a newspaper. He is involved in writing the My Racing Story features on this website. He spent a year in South Africa completing a Diploma in Business Administration and also studied Newspaper Journalism in Belfast. He enjoys playing 5-a-side football on a regular basis.