Keane stars as Amhran Na Bhfiann makes all in Curragh Cup

Amhran Na Bhfiann benefitted from a fine front-running ride by Colin Keane to take the Group 2 Comer Group International Curragh Cup.

The Galileo colt, third to stablemate Serpentine in the Derby last year but soundly beaten when making a lot of the running in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot recently, got his career back on track here with a dominant performance.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained 9/2 chance was pushed along after leaving the stalls and soon built up a clear lead. He held about a six lengths advantage at halfway with the eight runners well strung out. Pondus made progress from off the pace to go second a furlong and a half out but the 11/8 favourite could make no headway inside the final furlong.

Amhran Na Bhfiann kept on strongly under Keane to score by seven lengths, with Passion keeping on one paced a further four lengths adrift in third.

Keane came in for the ride with Ryan Moore riding Passion, while Seamie Heffernan and Wayne Lordan are both suspended.

O'Brien said, "I'm delighted with him, he's coming forward and I'd say that's his trip. Two-and-a-half was just a bit too long for him. He's a good honest horse with a little bit of class and he keeps galloping. Colin gave him a great ride as well.

“I think he could come back here for the Irish Leger and I'd say he'll come forward. Those big colts take a bit of getting ready when they've had time off, and he was off a long time.”

(GC & AM)