Moon makes it two for Lyons and Keane

Blood Moon brought up a double for Ger Lyons and Colin Keane by justifying 11/8 favouritism in the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Median Auction Maiden at Dundalk.

Keane always looked happy that he'd get there up the straight aboard the Equiano gelding, and though Well Caught made him work, the victor achieved the win by half a length.

The front two left An Duine Uasal four and a half lengths back in third.

Earlier on the mark with Birdcage Lyons reflected: "It's a nice way to end the year and we'll put him away now.

"He won unexpectedly here first time and has been a model of consistency since.

"Gary Carroll has done a good job on him recently. He says he rushes the first part of the race and we need to teach him to go through the gears - he thinks he'll be a proper stakes horse.

"I always say with sprinters they need to learn how to sprint and I think we've given him plenty of practice so we'll put him away until next year."

The Stewards enquired into an incident rounding the first bend involving An Duine Uasal, ridden by W.J. Lee, placed third, Duncan Of Scotland ridden by D.M. Redmond, unplaced, Northern Emperor ridden by P.J. Smullen, unplaced and Arjeed ridden by R.P. Cleary, unplaced, where it appeared Ducan Of Scothland ran short of room and stumbled.

Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards apportioned no blame and took no further action.

D.M. Redmond, rider of Duncan Of Scotland, trained by Lee Smyth, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount ran short off room and stumbled rounding the first bend.

E. D. Delany, trainer of Northern Emperor, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his charge scoped badly post race.

(GC & EM)