Lynam registers first Rockingham win Keke (11/4f) credited trainer Eddie Lynam with a cherished first success in one of Ireland’s best known sprint races today, as he landed the Dubai Duty Free Rockingham (Premier Handicap) at the Curragh under jockey Bill Lee. Five-year-old 93-rated Keke initially raced last of an isolated group of three runners up the centre of the course, improved to lead inside the final furlong before finishing well to beat Red Evolution by a length. Nicknamed ‘Fast Eddie’ for his ability with sprinters, trainer Lynam - who has held a license since 1983, revealed “the Rockingham is a race I’ve always wanted to win and my grandmother won it when I was a kid in the 60s, with Wingfield Lily. I’ve got a name as being a good sprint trainer but I’d never even got close to winning it. “I trained Keke for this race and when I saw the draw on Friday, I thought we were in trouble. We’ve just brought him along steadily and it’s great to win this race.” Regarding his isolated poor draw in 1, Lee explained “we thought that his draw might be a killer but he is quick and travelled everywhere today. Luckily there was pace in front of me and he travelled so easily. I was there too soon but he is getting professional now, as Eddie’s sprinters do over time. “I was lucky today there was speed in front of me, so I was able to ride my race from there. A fast five (furlongs) suits him best and he is still on the improve.” Quotes from Alan Magee
