James Ryan, Conor Maxwell (left) and wife Karena (right) and the rider's mother and father, Kieran and Mairead Ryan © Photo Healy Racing
Kool One lunged late to claim the spoils in the first division of the mile-six handicap at Navan, moving James Ryan level in the race for the apprentice title on 30 winners.
The Conor Maxwell-trained gelding had plenty to do when getting slightly hampered under two furlongs from home but Ryan got a great tune from the 11/2 favourite in the closing stages.
He grabbed Cafe Con Leche in the final strides for a half-length win, denying fellow title chaser Adam Caffrey his own chance of tying things up with Wayne Hassett at the head of the table.
Maxwell revealed afterwards that the winner is owned by the jockey's father Kieran:-
"I fancied him a bit the last day but the ground just dried out a bit too much for us in Bellewstown and things happened a bit quick over a mile and a-half.
"He has run two crackers on his last two outings.
"We really fancied him here today over this trip.
"I thought we were a bit far back, but he got there well in the end.
"It's a family affair as James' dad owns him and his brother was leading him up.
"I'm delighted to get him a winner for it (apprentice title race)."
(Quotes by Michael Graham)
