Colin Keane and Warnaq are welcomed back in to the parade ring© Photo Healy Racing
Warnaq made a day to remember even better for Colin Keane, as she provided the new champion with his 100th winner of the season in the Jumps Racing Returns To Naas November 11th Maiden.
Placed on her first two starts, the Matthew Smith trained daughter of Arcano was available at 3/1 last night, opening on-course at 2s, before going off the clear 13/8 favourite.
Settled in mid-division on the outer, she took closer order on the approach to the straight. She was ridden to lead over a furlong out, and kept on well from there, going on to score by three lengths. Great Trango finished second under Pat Smullen for Harry Kelly at 11/4, while Ilikehim (16/1) was another seven and a half lengths back in third for Declan McDonogh and William Durkan.
Matthew Smith said afterwards: "She did it well. She probably got there too well and a bit too soon but is a lovely straight forward filly who is improving with every run. She stays well and the step up in trip helped her. It's great for Colin to get to 100 winners as well."
Keane added: "It's been relentless all season, and the last month haven't been that enjoyable. It's been hard work, and it's only since Friday that I've really started enjoying it.
"I would not be in this position without the backing of Ger (Lyons), and to get the 100 winners is really the icing on the cake."
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
