Malbay Madness and Colin Keane near win the Ireland West Airport Knock Handicap © Photo Healy Racing
Runner-up in a higher grade at the festival on Wednesday, Malbay Madness completed a fine week for trainer Emmet Mullins when getting up late under Colin Keane to win the Ireland West Airport Knock Handicap at Galway.
Sent off 6/5f in this depleted field, the Wing Of Eagles gelding looked in trouble entering the straight as Luke McAteer kicked from the front in what looked a race winning move aboard Emorcee
However, Colin Keane soon went in chase of the David Marnane trained runner gradually eating into that ones lead until getting to the front over a 100 yards out.
The reigning champion jockey could afford to ease his mount down close home as he won with a little in hand at the finish.
Colin Keane said: “I thought the one in front had got away on us but they went hard enough and my lad relaxed well, maybe a fraction too well. I’d say he’s a horse that could go a bit further.
“Emmet said to get him relaxed and take it from there. Once we got a bit of cover he switched off and travelled into it well. I thought the second horse had sneaked a couple of lengths on us but he did well to catch him.
“He’s probably a hardy little horse. He was full of life going to the start and I’m sure they will have plenty of fun with him.”
Additional reporting by Alan Magee.
