Michael Graham
Keane at double on Madrid winner Markaz Paname
Markaz Paname, right
© Photo Healy Racing
Champion jockey Colin Keane rode a double on day two of the Irish Flat season when Markaz Paname (3/1) took the honours in the valuable Madrid Handicap at Naas.
The joint top-weight, who was making his handicap debut and who had been gelded since his last run, was swinging away for Keane entering the final couple of furlongs as the pair tracked Mister Wilson
They took over approaching the final furlong and kept on well to hold Mister Wilson (33/1) who finished clear of the remainder in second. Eriskay completed the placings in third at 14/1.
Ger Lyons said: “He brought to the track what we have been seeing at home and if we had a Madrid horse it was him.
“He’s grown up a lot from two to three. He was very immature last year and we gelded him. Last year he was a very free sweater and did well to do what he did.
“We think he’ll get further as well so we’ll have a bit of fun with him. He’s owner bred so Donal (Boylan) is obviously a lucky owner.”
Keane won race three on the card on Saliteh for Adrian Murray.
The jockey had a winner on opening day at the Curragh yesterday - Laugh A Minute for Ado McGuinness.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee