Melody hangs on to give Lyons & Keane quick brace

Artistic Melody just held on to land a quick double for Ger Lyons and Colin Keane at Bellewstown tonight.

There was a frantic pace up front in the d Hotel Handicap with Captain Joy leading early only to be passed by the free running Flowerhill Nova after a couple of furlongs.

7/4 favourite Artistic Melody was produced to challenge two furlongs from home and got her head in front inside the final furlong. Koybig launched a big challenge close home but was denied by nose at the line. Keane lost his stick in the dying strides but fortunately it made no difference.

The stewards had a look after the winner came across to the rail inside the final furlong, causing some interference to Arbourfield (3rd), Dance Alone (4th) and Captain Joy (6th). The result stood.

The winner was following up on her success at Limerick 12 days ago. She is in foal to Irish Guineas winner Awtaad.

"I'm delighted for Vincent (Gaul, owner) as she won at Limerick the day his son got married last week, and this was on his bucket list to win here as he lives not far from here,” said Lyons.

"She's a different filly since she's been in foal. I'm not sure how many days we have left with her but we won't be hard on her as she's done her job. If there is one more in her that's all it will be.

"She was difficult to train last year. She was a worrier but Vincent put her in foal and that has transformed her."

(Quotes by Alan Magee)