Keane and O'Brien battle could have a way to go yet

It’s Colin Keane (96) Donnacha O’Brien (99) after the jockey’s championship contenders filled the first two positions in race two at Gowran. Keane won the Thomastown Fillies Median Auction Maiden on Lemista

O’Brien was on big Curragh eye-catcher, Gin Blossom (4/7) for his brother Joseph.

Fourth at Leopardstown and fifth at Cork on her two previous outings, here Lemista (4/1) was four and a quarter lengths too strong for Gin Blossom, after taking control in the final furlong.

There was a gap of five and a half lengths back to Bestrella in third.

Ger Lyons trains Lemista for his wife Lynne, and she owns the daughter of Raven’s Pass with David Spratt and Sean Jones.

“We're delighted with that. She's a filly that we bought as a foal,” said Lyons' brother Shane.

“Colin was very positive about her after Cork. She just got caught down the inner there and she's a filly that lengthens rather than has a turn of foot. Her form is a little bit better than on paper.

“She handled the ground today, she'd obviously like better, and Colin thinks she's a stakes filly for next year over a mile or a mile-and-two. We'll look forward to her.”

The Stewards enquired into an incident in the closing stages of this race involving Curious Bride ridden by S. Foley, unplaced and Princess Grace ridden by G.F. Carroll, unplaced, where it appeared that Curious Bride crossed onto the racing line of Princess Grace causing G. F. Carroll to check. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanation offered and took no further action.

(GC & EM)