Avarice and Colin Keane (left) beat Tashi© Photo Healy Racing
The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden (DIV II) went to the 11/4 favourite Avarice as Colin Keane took full advantage of Shane Foley’s absence through suspension to draw level (72 winners apiece) with his jockeys' title rival.
In a first-time hood, Avarice led from early in the straight but looked vulnerable when the sweet-travelling Tashi (5/1) loomed up alongside him.
The Zoffany gelding, runner-up on his previous three starts, battled on well to repel that one’s challenge by three quarters of a length on ground made softer by further rain before the off. Caldwell (11/2) was a further four and a half lengths back in third.
Former champion Keane, written off by some after having missed two weeks in August due to quarantine protocols after riding Siskin in the Sussex Stakes, has been in outstanding form in recent weeks as he gradually made inroads into Foley’s one-time sizeable lead.
The latter is also suspended on Friday and returns at Tipperary the following day, with Keane at Newmarket to partner Champers Elysees in the Sun Chariot Stakes.
Keane was under consideration to ride for Aidan O’Brien in the Arc on Sunday but is now not required by Ballydoyle for that race.
Shane Lyons, assistant to winning trainer Ger Lyons, said: "He’s a lovely genuine horse and does all the donkey work at home leading babies and younger horses.
“He wants a mile and four but the rain played to his strengths over that trip.
“On a hot day at the Curragh the last day with a long lead up to the race he just boiled over and Colin knew he wasn’t right and felt he shouldn’t run.
“Eventually he should make a proper jumper as there is a bit of class about him.”
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
