Lyons praises 'top-class' Keane's ride on Mawaany

Colin Keane dictated the fractions on board Mawaany in the mile and a half Tote October Handicap at Leopardstown and they had enough in the tank to hold on.

Keane took a couple of lengths out of the field on the run to the final furlong and kept his mount up to his work as he took the spoils by half a length at 5/1. Perfect Tapatino (3/1 joint favourite) was nearest at the finish in second. The other 3/1 joint favourite, Causey Arch came in a length and a half further back in third.

Trainer Ger Lyons said: "It was a top-class ride, he's top class when he does that.

“Unfortunately for David (Spratt) we lost the horse in the previous race (Kestrel Prince) with a broken pelvis.

“That's racing for you, the ups and down of it, and it's nice to bounce straight back with that.

“In September and October we're having a quiet time but there are a lot worse off than us so we just have the suck it up and accept it.

"Thankfully the season ends next week and we'll get everything back in order for the start of next season.

“Every dart we threw last year we hit the board. This year we're just missing it but we have to accept it and build for next year.

“That's a nice way to end the season with that horse.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson