Keane brings up Dundalk double

Hoppsan won a head bobber in Dundalk with Gold Tantrum to bring jockey Colin Keane a double on his night’s work.

The four-year-old filly in the tongue-strap was stepping up on her first run on the polytrack when second, beaten a neck by Valley Queen three weeks ago.

Keane got her challenging in the last quarter of a mile in Division 2 of the mile handicap, and managed to drop the 3/1 favourite’s head on the line to pip Gold Tantrum (16/1) by a nose.

John McConnell said: “She’s a real trier and I’m delighted for the lads that own her. They [Horse For Dubai Syndicate] are from all over the country including Malahide and Swords.

“She was a bit unlucky the last day and it’s nice to come out on the right side of one of these finishes.” Hilary kept on for third at 7/1, half a length off the battle for first.

Keane had earlier won the apprentice handicap with Timjoe

Additional reporting by Alan Magee