Marchons Ensemble (Colin Keane up far-side) and Pearl Warrior (Shane B Kelly) giving it their all in the Dundalk finale© Photo Healy Racing
Colin Keane is now two up on Shane Foley in the race to be champion jockey as he rounded off a fabulous 4-timer for boss Ger Lyons, on Marchons Ensemble in the HOLLYWOODBETS Handicap at Dundalk.
Keane rode this fellow, and earlier Listed Legacy Stakes heroine, Frenetic whilst Gary Carroll won on Glenburnie’s My Laureate and it was Sam Ewing that steered home the stable’s Fight Zone in the nursery.
Owned by ‘the wayward lad,’ former top jumps jockey, Graham Bradley, Marchons Ensemble got a patient steer from Keane.
Delivered down the inner in the straight, the successful Pour Moi gelding eventually short-headed Pearl Warrior War Diary Eaglemont and Curious Bride were close behind in third, fourth and fifth.
“He's a bonny little horse, genuine as anything,” said Shane Lyons in the aftermath.
“A mile-and-a-half plus is his trip and we've just proven tonight that he loves that track and handles it really well so we'll come back here for more of the same.
“Colin said he likes to take his time and warm into it. When he finished second in Leopardstown it looked as if he was unlucky but that's probably the way he has to be ridden.
“Hopefully we can pick up another one or two before he's sent on his way.”
C.T. Keane, rider of Marchons Ensemble (GB), trained by G.M.Lyons, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that he used his whip once in front of the saddle in the forehand position for corrective purposes when his mount began to lean.
W.J. Lee, rider of Creationist (USA) trained by K.J. Condon, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount didn't get a clear run in the straight.
(GC & EM)
