Cask Mate and Colin Keane © Photo Healy Racing
Cask Mate (5/4 fav) was a facile winner of the Grimme Ireland Maiden under Colin Keane.
Noel Meade ’s classy jumper, runner-up in last year’s Royal Bond Novice Hurdle, made light of a near eight-month absence on this Flat debut and travelled well behind the leaders before readily going clear over two furlongs out.
He was eased close home to pass the post seven lengths clear of the staying-on outsider Don’t Be Angry.
Keane said of the Kalanisi gelding: “He’s a smart horse over hurdles and it was pretty smooth. He jumped a little bit slow but to be fair was quick into his stride and got into a nice position. It was fairly plain sailing from there.
“He could be very competitive in those staying handicaps or maybe even a bit better than that but I’ll leave that up to Noel (Meade).”
Quotes from Alan Magee
