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John O'Riordan

John O'Riordan

Malbay Madness goes one better under Colin Keane

Sun 6th Aug 2023, 17:24

Malbay Madness and Colin Keane near win the Ireland West Airport Knock Handicap Malbay Madness and Colin Keane near win the Ireland West Airport Knock Handicap
© Photo Healy Racing

Runner-up in a higher grade at the festival on Wednesday, Malbay Madness completed a fine week for trainer Emmet Mullins when getting up late under Colin Keane to win the Ireland West Airport Knock Handicap at Galway.

Sent off 6/5f in this depleted field, the Wing Of Eagles gelding looked in trouble entering the straight as Luke McAteer kicked from the front in what looked a race winning move aboard Emorcee

However, Colin Keane soon went in chase of the David Marnane trained runner gradually eating into that ones lead until getting to the front over a 100 yards out.

The reigning champion jockey could afford to ease his mount down close home as he won with a little in hand at the finish.

Colin Keane said: “I thought the one in front had got away on us but they went hard enough and my lad relaxed well, maybe a fraction too well. I’d say he’s a horse that could go a bit further.

“Emmet said to get him relaxed and take it from there. Once we got a bit of cover he switched off and travelled into it well. I thought the second horse had sneaked a couple of lengths on us but he did well to catch him.

“He’s probably a hardy little horse. He was full of life going to the start and I’m sure they will have plenty of fun with him.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee.

1st
6/5Fav
Tote €2.20 €1.10
2nd
1L
12/1
€2.90
3rd
2L
6/1
€1.20
4th
2L
12/1
About John O'Riordan
John has worked for the Press Association since 2022. He also writes a weekly column for The Irish Field and is a regular contributor to the Irish Racing Yearbook. He has previously written for the Racing Post, Irish Examiner and Irish Daily Mirror. He has been involved in racing for over three decades; having experience as a syndicate member, sole owner and breeder.