It's Two O Clock and Colin Keane© Photo Healy Racing
The market told a story as champion jockey elect Colin Keane moved on to the 98 winner mark for the campaign, aboard newcomer It's Two O Clock in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden (Plus 10 Race) at Dundalk.
Owned by Lynne Lyons and trained by her husband Ger, the 4/9 shot, a son of Raven's Pass, never gave his connections and backers much cause for anxiety.
He might have dwelt at the stalls but It's Two O Clock eventually beat Khwarizmi (40/1) by two and a half lengths.
Shane Lyons said afterwards: "It's grand to have a winner near the end of the season in Lynne's colours.
"Ger loved him in Goresbridge Breeze Ups and did a deal with Jim McCartan from Mullingar.
"He's a great temperament horse, plenty of speed at home, and we got it right as we had another horse in the race but left him at home as Colin was confident with the breeze up underneath him that he'd have the experience to go first time out.
"He took a little bit of time to warm up and showed great mental attitude for a horse first time up.
"There was a bit of bumping in front of him and he went through the middle as if it was his second run."
The Stewards enquired into an incident early in the home straight involving Khwarizmi (USA), ridden by D.P. McDonogh, placed second, Patrice's Wish (GB), ridden by S. Foley, placed fourth and Rachel Ruysch ridden by P.J. Smullen, placed sixth.
Evidence was heard from the riders concerned.
Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards took no further action other than to advise D.P. McDonogh to ride with more care in the future.
Mr. S. Collins Acting Steward absented himself from this enquiry.
(AM & EM)
