Western Model gets up late to bring up double for O'Keeffe Having landed the previous race on the card, jockey Sean O'Keeffe registered a quick double as Western Model got up close home to win the Roscommon Herald Handicap Hurdle. On what was just his third start for trainer Andrew Kinirons, the seven-year-old was never far from the pace, sitting in the first half dozen or so throughout. Moving third early in the straight, the Espresso Martini Syndicate owned 9/2 chance went second in pursuit of leader Moonshine Girl on the run to two. Challenging at the final flight, Western Model stayed on best on the run-in, getting up close home to score by a neck. “I’m delighted with that, he’s a grand sweet horse,” said Kinirons. “The girl that works for me, Sarah (Lionti), rode him in a charity race at the Curragh and he really came alive after it. “He really enjoyed it and it sharpened him up, over a mile-and-a-half. “I’d say if you followed those charity races and watched the horses on their next runs they are very sweet because the jockeys can’t hit them and they enjoy it. “Sarah knows him well. She’s been with me on work experience as an equine vet physio and she’s been a great help. “He had a good run in Downpatrick but he just got outpaced. “Sean knows him well and gave him a lovely ride. He travelled so sweet today. “I think we might go to Galway with him, I think there is a 0-110 for him. He should be well handicapped back over fences as well. “He’s had good form before so he’s probably just back to that.” Quotes by Gary Carson.
