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Keane still odds-on in jockeys' title race

Title contenders Colin Keane (left) and Bill Lee are in action at the Curragh this afternoon Title contenders Colin Keane (left) and Bill Lee are in action at the Curragh this afternoon
© Healy Racing Photos

Less than four weeks left of the Irish Flat season and it's still neck and neck in the jockeys' title race with Bill Lee holding a narrow lead (81-80) over three-time champion Colin Keane

Paddy Power still make the latter 8-13 favourite with Lee, bidding for his first title, priced at 6-5.

Paddy Power spokesman Paul Binfield said: “We’re being treated to a tremendous tussle for the title with Billy trying to stop Colin from completing the hat-trick with the latter drawing level at Dundalk on Friday before Billy regained his slight advantage at The Curragh the following day.”

Ironically, the strike-rate of both contenders has fallen in recent weeks with both having ridden three winners in the last 21 days.

Battle is rejoined at the Curragh today (1.25 start) where Lee has a full book of rides on the eight-race card while Keane will be in action in six races.

The ground is yielding to soft on the straight course and yielding on the round course. The stands' side track is in use again, as it was last weekend, with 10 yards of fresh ground available.

A dry day is forecast, as is the case for the seven-race jumps card at Tramore (1.50 start). It's yielding ground at the Waterford venue after a dry 24 hours.

About Mark Nunan
Mark has followed racing since he was a teenager and worked for many years as a broadcaster with the Irish version of Racecall. He joined the Press Association in 2019 and is also a contributor to the Racing Post. A native of Kildare, he now lives in Sligo.

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