Double for Keane as Love Sonnet leads home Murphy 1-2 Love Sonnet led home a 1,2 for John Murphy and completed a double for Colin Keane, as she trounced her rivals in the last at Killarney this evening, the Muckross Irish Gin Handicap. Making the breakthrough at this venue in May, the Shaman three-year-old was expected to follow-up this evening and was sent to post a well-backed 15/8 favourite (from 9/4). Upped in trip to a mile and six for the first time, the 66-rated bay was given a patient ride by Colin Keane, making good progress on the inner around the bottom bend. Brought to the centre of the track in the straight, she got to the front with two-furlongs to go and readily drew clear when ridden, ultimately easing to an 11-length win in the colours of the Hewins Hoare Partnership. Returned at 16/1, Atheneum filled the runner-up spot under Sam Coen, while the front-running Garrybello (22/1) was another five-and-a-half lengths back in third. "Colin said they went pretty fast, he sat and waited and it worked well. She stayed well and she'll make a smashing hurdler," Murphy reflected. "The runner-up is a nice horse and with a bit of time, will also make a good hurdler." Keane had earlier claimed the feature Cairn Rouge Stakes on Red Letter. STEWARDS REPORTS * The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Ifitwasme, trained by E. McNamara, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal have pulled a left fore shoe in running but was otherwise post race normal. * The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Coulstys Way, trained by Patrick Magee, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be blowing hard post race. * The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident leaving the back straight involving Ehteyat (GER), ridden by J.M. Sheridan, Disco Boy, ridden by S. Foley, and Coulstys Way, ridden by R. Whearty where it appeared interference may have occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. J.M. Sheridan said he received minimal interference from the horse on his inner. S. Foley said he was edging out off the heels of the horse in front of him after he shied from the road. R. Whearty said he received a slight bump from his inside. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards took no further action. Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
