Keane keeps it simple on Transcending

Colin Keane kept it simple from the front on Transcending as she ran out an easy winner of the opener at Leopardstown, the Irish EBF Median Sires Series Fillies Maiden.

A close fourth over the course and distance a week ago, the Ger Lyons-trained bay was well-fancied to make it third time lucky this evening and was sent to post the even money favourite.

Pushed along with less than two-furlongs to go, the 36,000 pound yearling purchase soon extended her advantage and eventually came home five-and-a-half lengths clear for owners Sean Jones, David Spratt and Lynne Lyons.

The David Marnane-trained Nermansa (28/1) filled the runner-up spot under James Ryan, while Sugar Club (18/1) showed promise on debut, finishing another length-and-a-quarter back in third.

"That was her four star race for me when I was looking at entries about five weeks ago. We made the fatal mistake of entering her last Thursday and when I'm happy with them I run them," said Lyons.

"You are always prone to walk into a superstar in an open maiden and I think we walked into at least two.

"I thought she'd win a race like this. The other side of it is if we didn't run last week we'd be walking away from here thinking you are a great lad but at least we know where our level is.

"She's a nice honest filly, to a level. We'll bring her home now, she has her maiden ticked.

"She's a nice filly and sold herself to us in the sales ring. She wasn't on our list but kept catching our eye. She has a gorgeous head and is a great walker.

"We'll let her mature now and see where it brings her. I wouldn't be surprised if her next run is over six."

STEWARDS REPORT

M.C. Grassick, trainer of Gazelle D'or reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his charge was found to be showing signs of being in season post race.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson