Colin Keane doubled up in the finale at Limerick, the JT McNamara Ladbrokes Munster National Tomorrow At Limerick Racecourse Handicap (DIV II), aboard Amlad to go two ahead in the battle to be champion jockey.

Keane won for his boss Ger Lyons, earlier on Alex D and it’s 78 — 76 now between himself and Shane Foley, on duty at Newmarket this afternoon.

Pre-race this was all about Annie Pender (15/8 favourite) and Vita Veritas (16/5 second market choice), but Amlad eclipsed them all, beating Pikaia by five lengths.

The chestnut was winning his first race in over three years.

"That is not before time but he did it well. Hopefully we can get another win out of him before the flat season is out and surprisingly for the age of him (six) he has not run on heavy ground before,” said winning trainer Andy McNamara.

"It was a bit of an unknown but he handled it well and it opens up options. Hurdling will definitely be on the cards and we originally bought him to go jumping but he hated it. He seems to be jumping better now and should be competitive in handicap hurdles.”

"It was nice to win a race with John Thomas' (McNamara) name in the race-title,” added the cousin of the late great amateur rider.

R.C. Colgan, rider of Make Good trained by John C. McConnell, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount dropped out early and ran on one-paced in the straight.

R.P. Cleary, rider of Solar Heat trained by Mrs D.A.Love, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount got tight for room in the straight.

J.M. Sheridan, rider of No Trouble trained by Noel C. Kelly, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount never travelled.

The Stewards enquired into an incident after the turn into the straight involving Solar Heat, ridden by R.P. Cleary, Harvey Specter ridden by M.P. Sheehy, Caridadi ridden by A.J. Slattery, and Still Alive (GB), ridden by A.C. Persse, where it appeared Solar Heat got tight for room. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. M.P. Sheehy gave his evidence in the presence of R. Donohoe, Trainer. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards took no further action other than to advise A.J. Slattery to ride with more care in future.

(TW & EM)