Khartoum is ridden out by Colin Keane© Photo Healy Racing
Colin Keane successfully teamed-up with Aidan O'Brien for the first time, as Khartoum took the opener at the Curragh this afternoon, the Curragh Where Champions Are Made Maiden.
Third on debut at Naas last month, the American bred colt was expected to go a few places better this afternoon and was sent off the 2/1 favourite.
Soon in front, the son of Pioneerof The Nile made all and while he was pressed with less than two furlongs to race, he pulled out more inside the final furlong, going on to score by two and a quarter lengths. Supershock (9/1) ran well to finish second under Robbie Colgan for Sheila Lavery, while Jim Bolger's Salvucci (6/1) was another half a length back in third.
Keane said afterwards: "He's a big, raw, unfurnished horse. I was talking to Aidan beforehand and he said that he'd come forward from Naas which he has and you would imagine he will come forward from today.
"He should turn into a nice mile to mile and a quarter horse next year on nicer ground but he handled that ground well.
"It's nice to get off the mark for him. I'd one ride for him last year but no joy."
STEWARDS REPORT
S. Foley, rider of Cooper's Hawk trained by Mrs John Harrington, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount reared up leaving the stalls.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
