Ryan completes four-timer, treble for O'Keeffe

John Ryan competed a first career four-timer today as the trainer's fortunate winner Father Jed completed the feat in Sligo's concluding Riverstown Handicap Chase, with successful jockey Sean O'Keeffe notching a first treble.

O'Keeffe's earlier winners were with Ryan's Kitty Galore and Tom Gibney's Bold Emperor when substituting for injured rider Gavin Brouder, and also filled-in for stood-down Bryan Cooper on Father Jed.

The concluding race featured 8/15f Favori Logique chasing a four-timer of his own, and while he moved with purpose throughout and had Father Jed's measure approaching the final fence, clipped the top of the obstacle and crumpled on landing.

O'Keeffe kept ten year old Father Jed going on the run-in to score by eight lengths from Court Adjourned

Dairy farmer Ryan, who trained four winners in the 1990s and 2000s, has expanded his racing business in recent years with his latest win being his 29th of the new season.

The delighted winning trainer later commented “I thought he’d win and I thought That’s Lifebuoy was my biggest certainty of the day - I need Bryan (Cooper, fallen jockey) for Listowel so I hope he’ll be all right.

“That’s Sean’s first treble and Philip Donovan (who won on Rippon Lodge lost his seven pound claim as well, so there was a lot happening.

“It’s been a great day!”

Quotes from Mark Nunan