Tamrat and Colin Keane far win the Keeper s Heart 10 Year Old Single Malt Whiskey Irish EBF C&G Maiden© Photo Healy Racing
Ger Lyons introduced a potentially smart newcomer in the shape of Tamrat who kept on strongly under Colin Keane to win the opening Keeper's Heart 10 Year Old Single Malt Whiskey Irish EBF(C&G)Maiden at the Curragh.
A son of Invincible Spirit, the Moyglare Stud owned colt looked a big, strong individual who is likely to improve with racing.
Held up towards rear in the initial stages of this contest, Colin Keane asked the National Stakes entrant to move closer over two furlongs out. However, rather than quickening instantly, the colt lengthened to get closer to the leaders, eventually getting to the front over a furlong out.
Fellow debutant Ortelius produced a similar move under Seamie Heffernan, drawing level with the Lyons horse over 50 yards out. However, Tamrat just had that bit extra to press ahead again in the dying strides to make a winning start to his career.
Shane Lyons said: "It was beautiful and we're delighted, especially with the day that's in it, for Malachy (Ryan — Moyglare Stud manager), and Miss Haefner for this to come to plan.
“It wasn't really the plan though as we genuinely thought he'd take a run, he's a big horse. He hasn't missed a day but our horses do take a run.
“He's a gentleman at home and from the word go we've liked him.
“Colin had ridden a horse for Michael O'Callaghan in the race that he liked (Ocean Conquest) and the form of Donnacha (O'Brien's) horse (Starliner) has worked out well.
“We knew that it wasn't going to be an easy race so for him to do that, and the way he stuck his head out, we're delighted.
“Colin said it's beautiful ground out there and he wouldn't want it any quicker.
“With the size of him it'll be next year. It opens doors for us, he's in some big races but we'll see how he comes out of the race.
“He still would have had a hard race today because it was a shock to the system. We'll take baby steps.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson.
