Spanish Flame gives double-jobbing Keane a good start

The opening Irish EBF Median Sires Series Maiden was the most valuable event on this rescheduled card and it resulted in a comfortable success for the 8/13 favourite Spanish Flame

A promising fourth on debut at Leopardstown, the Ger Lyons-trained colt was settled in mid-division by Colin Keane and turned for home in fifth place. He gradually picked off the leaders and took over at the furlong pole before readily pulling six lengths clear of Oligopoly

Three-times champion jockey Keane, who rides White Birch in the Derby on Saturday, is set for a busy day with five more rides at Roscommon before journeying back to Fairyhouse for three more this evening.

Assistant trainer Shane Lyons said: “This was going to be his first race when it was called off (due to a waterlogged track). We also have him entered (in a maiden) at the Curragh next Wednesday but the conditions suited here and he was telling us he was well and ready to run.

“Roscommon have done a fantastic job with the ground in the middle of a mini heatwave. It was on the easy side of good for the first race which he needed.

“I think we have a nice bunch of two-year-olds and he’s definitely one of them. I’m delighted for Vincent and Geraldine (Gaul) who come up with a good one every so often.

“The Chesham could be an option for Ascot.”

Quotes from Alan Magee