Ningxai gets the better of The Fox Tully© Photo Healy Racing
Ningxai got the better of a final furlong tussle with The Fox Tully as Colin Keane beat his father Ger's charge in the Flower Hill Handicap at Navan.
The Fox Tully hit the front two furlongs from home in the ten furlong contest but found Ningxai too strong inside the final furlong as the Ger Lyons-trained gelding got up for a half-length success.
The 6/1 winner has proven consistent since winning his maiden at Cork in May and made the break-through in handicap company at the fourth attempt.
The trainer's brother Shane Lyons said: "Colin gave him a super ride, a very patient ride from a bad draw. He's a very genuine horse and loves a cut in the ground.
"I'm delighted for that fellow as he was unlucky (when sixth last time) in Gowran. He's in the horses in training sales."
Winning owner David Spratt is from Cork and also owns useful performer Piri Wango.
(Quotes by Michael Graham)
