Aloysius Lilius and Colin Keane © Photo Healy Racing
The second division of the Lily & Wild BBQ At Naas Handicap for horses rated 45-65 went to the Colin Keane-ridden Aloysius Lilius (4/1).
Once again those drawn high had the edge and, having chased the leaders, the 5-year-old gelding was pushed along to take a narrow lead two furlongs out. Ridden clear a furlong out, the winner accounted for the running-on Intervention by two lengths.
A runaway leader in the jockeys’ title race, this was a 96th winner of the campaign for the dual champion.
It was a fourth career success for the winner, running off a mark of 60 having risen to 80 last year following a win on the all-weather at Newcastle.
Winning trainer Ger O’Leary said: “I’m delighted to get a winner with Colin Keane — I’ve been trying for a long time. He did it well.
“The horses are in good order. They got a good break during the summer and are all sparking now.
“I thought he hit the front too soon but Colin said he was just cantering. We had the cheekpieces and the tongue-tie on today. We didn’t bother with both of them for a while and things went right today.
Cork native O'Leary added: “I actually forfeited two All-Ireland tickets to be here so I’m delighted I did!”
Quotes from Alan Magee
