Keane skips clear on poignant winner

Championship leader Colin Keane completed a Dundalk double today, completing the feat on Skip James (9/4 — 13/8f) which proved a poignant winner of the Michael Cooney Memorial Nursery.

By Expert Eye, he benefitted from a skilled last-to-first ride from the three-time champion jockey, who in the process moved two winners clear of Bill Lee (83-81) in this season's challenge.

Skip James carries the colours of Sean Jones, David Spratt and Lynne Lyons and following the race Shane Lyons, representing his brother trainer Ger Lyons, said “the trio run the horse in memory of Kevin O'Riordan who passed away though cancer.

“Kevin was a friend of David Spratt and the all prize money that is earned by the horse goes to Brain Cancer Research in Liverpool University.”

Regarding Skip James, he added “it was a lovely performance and I'd say next year when he strengthens up, he'll step up in trip. He'll mature into a nice three-year-old. He will do more of the same and as much as we can, to earn prize money."

Quotes from Michael Graham