The Fox Tully justified favouritism in the second division of the Ratoath Handicap as he kept on best from off the pace to land the spoils for trainer Ger Keane with his son Colin in the saddle.

The 7yo son of Monashee Mountain was sent off the 3/1 favourite for the mile and two contest after running well last time out over the course and distance to finish just a head second to Morethanafeeling.

Having raced in mid-division early on he made headway into sixth with two furlongs left to race.

He was ridden into fourth a furlong out and stayed on best to lead close home, keeping on well to score by a length and a half. Waltzing Cat ran well to take second at 7/1 under Johnny Murtagh for Bill Farrell while Diamond Pro ran on strongly to take third a further half a length back at 33/1 under James Doyle for John Murphy.

The Sneezy Foster trained Kalacan completed the placings a further two lengths back in fourth at 11/1 under Declan McDonogh.

Winning trainer Ger Keane said afterwards: "I was a bit worried as I didn't think he was travelling.

"I thought he might have left his race behind the last time but when he gave him a slap he picked up well and did it well.

"He is in again at Sligo on Tuesday in a 1m 2f handicap and if he comes out of this with no affects he might go there. Then he will have a few weeks off.

"He is a small little horse but he jumps well at home and he will go hurdling eventually."

Donal Murphy & Michael Graham