Master Matt and Colin Keane (red and white) win for owner Frank Lynch and trainer Matthew Smith © Photo Healy Racing
Colin Keane reached the 95-winner mark for the season on Master Matt in the Blackcastle Handicap, bringing up a double at his local track in Navan.
The former champion now leads Shane Foley by nine, as he closes in on regaining a title he landed in 2017 from the late great Pat Smullen.
Priced up at 1 to 6 with Paddy Power to be Ballydoyle’s 2021 retained rider, Keane got Master Matt home by a length and a quarter for Kilmessan handler Matthew Smith. Truth Prevails finished second for Willie McCreery and Declan McDonogh.
Keane’s previous win came on the Eddie Lynam-handled Tide Of Time and as was the case with that fellow, it was a first success at the first attempt on Master Matt for the high-flying jockey.
“He was a good winner in Listowel over seven furlongs but Matthew said that he maybe just didn't get home the last day in Limerick so they decided to drop him back,” said Keane.
“He has form over five and six. He handles those conditions well as he's a big strong horse so can carry the weight and get through the ground. He's very straight-forward.”
C.T. Keane, rider of Master Matt (GB) trained by Matthew J. Smith, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount lugged left under pressure.
S. Foley, rider of Aloysius Lilius trained by Gerard O'Leary, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount leaned left under pressure.
(GC & EM)
