Mobilise motors in for Lyons

Mobilise built upon a promising third place in Leopardstown last week to make the breakthrough in the Keywest Handicap over the same mile trip.

Colin Keane took closer order on Mobilise two furlongs out, but the pair were in a pocket and, when Keane angled him out over a furlong out, the pair made contact with Lady Christa who was knocked off her stride and shuffled to the rear.

Mobilise came through between horses a furlong and worked his way to the front with 150 yards to race.

Keane drove him on by a length and a-quarter at 4/1 from Free Flow (20/1). Get Set Jet was the same distance away in third at 28/1.

“He had a good draw last week and threw it away at the start, he jinked left and nearly got rid of Gary (Carroll),” said Ger Lyons.

“When I saw 14 for today I said 'ah jaysus', but then I thought he got a good draw last week and didn't want it.

“He's slowly but surely maturing into a racehorse. If everything is right he'll go back to the north (Down Royal) next week over ten (furlongs).

“I think that's where you'll see him come into his own, when we take our time with him. Hopefully he'll work his way through the grades.

“He's been a project, I think he's been more mentally immature than anything, but he's slowly but surely getting there.”

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident approximately one and a half furlongs from the finish involving Free Flow (USA), ridden by L.T. McAteer, placed second, Mobilise (GB), ridden by C.T. Keane, placed first, Lady Christa, ridden by R.C. Colgan, unplaced, and Drop The Dip ridden by G.M. Ryan, placed fourth, where it appeared interference occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. In his evidence, R.C. Colgan stated that he first suffered interference from Mobilise on his left and then Free Flow on his right. L.T. McAteer stated that he felt that he had kept straight until he felt pressure to his mounts hind quarters turning him inwards. C.T. Keane stated that he followed Drop The Dip and as he manoeuvered into a gap outside that his mount leaned into Lady Christa. G.M. Ryan stated that he felt he kept straight and was not involved in any interference. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that C.T. Keane was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden improperly. Having considered his record in this regard, the Raceday Stewards suspended C.T. Keane for seven racedays.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson