Keane now 4 up on Smullen

Colin Keane extended his lead over Pat Smullen to four as he continues his determined bid to be champion jockey for 2017. The latest Keane winner was again for his boss, Ger Lyons, on Psychedelic Funk in the Group 3 Coolmore Stud Home Of Champions Concorde Stakes at Tipperary.

With Smullen on French shores for Arc duty at Chantilly, Keane got first run on Psychedelic Funk, and then held favourite Downforce by half a length.

"We're thrilled with that and he is a fine big horse who will be a Stakes horse next year, albeit he is already a Stakes horse but we are really looking forward to his four year old career. That's when he is going to come into his own," said Shane Lyons in the aftermath.

"We were very worried about whether or not he'd handle the heavy ground and while he handled summer heavy last season, his heart got him through today.

"He is still a bit of a baby and idled in front and got through the ground by his ability. He'll be better on better ground and will be a proper Stakes horse over a mile next year

"We always thought he was one of the best two year olds we've ever had and still think he's one of the best horses we've had. 

"He has gone on that ground now and the Lockinge Stakes in May could be a target. 

"He (Ger Lyons) has been talking about gelding him but we might hold off and that decision (regarding a possible stud career) definitely won't be taken lightly."

(TW & EM)