Keatley back on form with Duchess

Adrian Keatley is hopeful his string are returning to form after a quiet start to the season after the victory of Duchess Of France in the TRM Excellence In Equine Nutrition Irish EBF Fillies Handicap at the Curragh.

The 8/1 shot travelled well into contention for Shane Foley two furlongs from home in the seven-furlong contest and was sent for home over a furlong out.

She kept on well in the closing stages to record a two-and-three-quarter length victory over Tobacco Bay

The winner had been just held when second at Ayr last Monday and was giving Keatley his second winner of the season.

“The horses are starting to come back to form now. I just had to back off them after the first week and couldn't do any work with them under orders from the vets,” said Keatley.

“It was a tough few weeks but they are coming back to form now.

“This filly was in Ayr and was unlucky not to win there — she should have won.

“I was a little bit worried she was doing so much in Shane's hands early on, and that she was going to have a little bit of a blow out late on, but she stayed going.

“It looks like there is more to come from her the way she won there The ground and trip are probably ideal for her.”