Howd’yadoit left Ger Lyons “gobsmacked”, as Colin Keane timed it to perfection in landing the richly-endowed Irish EBF Ballyhane Stakes at Naas.<\/p>\n
Completing a treble on the day, Keane got up close home on the 13-2 chance \u2013 who had shed his maiden tag at the fourth time of asking at Down Royal last month \u2013 to hold off Unbreakable Duke by a nose.<\/p>\n
Unbreakable Duke was subsequently demoted to third, with Summer Is Tomorrow promoted to second, following a stewards\u2019 inquiry into interference.<\/p>\n
British raider Jel Pepper (6-4 favourite) was fourth for Paul and Oliver Cole, while Prix Robert Papin winner Green Sense was withdrawn by Joseph O\u2019Brien due to unsuitable ground.<\/p>\n
Lyons \u2013 who teamed up with Keane to land this race with Sacred Bridge in 2021 \u2013 admitted: “I\u2019m gobsmacked, as I didn\u2019t think he\u2019d be good enough.<\/p>\n
“What an honest horse, he\u2019s been doing it well.<\/p>\n
“We wanted to win a maiden en route to winning a nursery, but he (handicapper) hit him with a mark that I thought was ridiculous for what I felt was a poor maiden.<\/p>\n
“We came here because it was a good pot, and I said any bit of the prize-money is grand. Never in my wildest dreams did I think he\u2019d win.”<\/p>\n
He added: “I\u2019m delighted as Sean\u2019s (Jones, owner) horses are now bought for and named by his sons Eddie and James to keep them interested and they are here today. They are the next generation, so it\u2019s great.<\/p>\n
“Sean has been with me from day one and it couldn\u2019t happen to a nicer guy.”<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Bonus Time made all to land the Ironxcell For Energy Race.<\/p>\n
The 2-5 shot was sent straight to the head of the field by Keane, with Zuheila racing keenly in behind.<\/p>\n
\n“It looked a nice spot for her and I’m very happy how she did it. Colin looked after her and gave her a nice ride.”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Keane did not have to ask the daughter of Too Darn Hot too many questions, as the Paddy Twomey-trained filly ran out a half-length winner from Kodilicious, who kept on well for second, with the still green Zuheila in third.<\/p>\n
Twomey said: “Her last run was her first run for us and we tried seven in a handicap. She ran really well and Andy (Oliver)’s horse is a good horse that beat her just at the line.<\/p>\n
“First time in a handicap carrying 10st and I just thought the last 50 yards looked a long way, so we said we\u2019d come back to six today.<\/p>\n
“It looked a nice spot for her and I\u2019m very happy how she did it. Colin looked after her and gave her a nice ride.<\/p>\n
“Colin said she could be dropped in and that she was waiting there in front.”<\/p>\n
The three-year-old is owned by Yorkshire-based Bond Thoroughbred Limited, and Twomey added: “We\u2019ll try to get some black type with her eventually and she might go to the Ebor meeting in York.”<\/p>\n
Mint Man won on turf at the 11th time of asking in the Taste Of Kildare At Naas Racecourse 16th \u2013 17th August Handicap.<\/p>\n
The Pat Murphy-trained four-year-old launched his challenge two furlongs out and hit the front heading into the final furlong, keeping on well to win by a length and a half.<\/p>\n
Murphy said of his 8-1 winner: “He was in good form and is not a massive horse so carrying less weight today helped him.<\/p>\n
“Leigh said he winged the gates and travelled away nicely for him. He hung a bit to the near side but has done it nicely.<\/p>\n
“I thought he would have won more by now.<\/p>\n
“We\u2019ll see what comes up for him and he could run in the Curragh on Saturday.”<\/p>\n
Keane completed a double on Noli Timere in the LubriSyn HA+ Premium Equine Joint Protection Fillies Maiden.<\/p>\n
Michael O\u2019Callaghan\u2019s filly justified 11-4 favouritism and he said: “She\u2019s a lovely filly and has taken a bit of time but is one we have always liked.<\/p>\n
“We put cheekpieces on today, more to sharpen her up dropping back from a mile and one.<\/p>\n
“Colin said a mile is her trip and she\u2019ll improve for slower ground. That is as quick as she wants it and we\u2019ll probably go hunting for a little bit of black type.”<\/p>\n