Fine Distraction just clung on to give Colin Keane a quick double at Down Royal this evening.

The Liam McAteer-trained gelding bagged the lead and the rail early in the five furlong contest and looked to have the race in safe keeping when skipping a couple of lengths clear passing the furlong pole. Aloysius Lilius ran on strongly in the closing stages though and disputed in the dying strides. After a photo Fine Distraction emerged as a short-head victor.

The 7/2 winner had been third on his last outing at Navan and was recording a first career victory on his 31st start.

"Great to get him off the mark. I bought him last October and let him out in the paddock for six months and brought him back a few months ago,” said McAteer.

"I was trying to get him to stay a wee bit, try him over seven furlongs. Colin rode him in Bellewstown and he said if I was you, in my opinion, drop that horse back to six or even five because he has enough pace for that. He said to keep him fresh and I'll ride him for you in Down Royal and hopefully he will win, and he did.

"One thing for sure, he won't be going to Galway."

(Quotes by Michael Graham)