Keane now just three behind King

Colin Keane moved to within three winners of Connor King in the race to be champion apprentice, as he partnered He's Our Music to victory in the Crowne Plaza Hotel Race & Stay Handicap.

The Pat Flynn trained gelding recorded his sole success before tonight over the course in December of last year, and on his ninth start since he obliged at the odds of 8/1.

The four-year-old son of Oratorio chased the leaders in the early stages and he was ridden in fourth on the outer from two furlongs out.

He hit the front over a furlong from home, and he kept on well from there to score by a length and three parts. Alvar finished back in second under Niall McCullagh for Mick Halford at 12/1, while Victor's Beach also for Halford, was a further half a length back in third under Shane Foley at 7/1.

Halford's third runner, Red Laser went off the 4/1 favourite under Conor Hoban but he could only manage a disappointing eleventh.

Colin Keane said afterwards: "He did nicely. It was a strong gallop and he travelled well. He picked up and he went away. He had a bit left in him, he was pricking his ears near the finish.

"I’m three behind now (in the race to be champion apprentice), hopefully, you never know!"

Additional reporting by Gary Carson