Keke (centre) and James Ryan © Photo Healy Racing
Keke completed a hat-trick of sprint handicap wins this term when just coming out best in a thrilling finish to the Sheehy Motors Cupra Handicap at the Curragh.
The progressive son of Dandy Man has made a pleasing habit of not winning by too far and certainly cut it fine on this occasion as he just got his nose down when it mattered right on the line.
The James Ryan-ridden 9/1 chance beat Secret Magician and Transcendental by two short heads.
Winning trainer Eddie Lynam said, “That is three in a row and they were all photos so that’s the right way to do it.
“We have been hitting the bar with a good few seconds this year at the Curragh so it’s nice to get a winner. It’s my favourite track.
“I’ve been training for Andrew Cohen (Wood Hall Stud) a good while now and we’ve had a bit of luck together.
“He’s just gradually moved up through the (handicap) grades this year. Billy (Lee) couldn’t ride him today, so we took the 5lb off him.
“James won five for us on Celtic Revival and has probably ridden about ten winners for us. He’s a good rider and is hard to get now as people are cottoning on to him. He’s nearly as tall as me!
“He might get into the Bold Lad but whether he’s good enough for something like that we’ll think about it.”
