Colin Keane's achievement acknowledged at NH night

The theme was national hunt at the Ardboyne Hotel in Navan tonight, but the achievements of Colin Keane and his bid for the 2017 flat jockeys' title were acknowledged.

“It's only fair to acknowledge the achievement of Colin Keane this year, he is set to be crowned champion jockey this week,” said ATR (AtThe Races) presenter Gary O'Brien.

“I noticed him riding pony racing when he was younger, he has made the transition quite quickly and he has a bright future,” remarked Davy Russell.

“He is a credit to his family and it should be celebrated, it's not every year you come across a talent like Colin and he deserves to be recognised,” added Russell, a Cork man with strong Meath connections.

Irish Grand National-winning jockey Robbie Power was also full of praise for the young Trim man.

“He was still an apprentice when he got the job with Ger (Lyons), he didn't even tell his father at the time, Ger had to tell him, but it's a remarkable achievement,” stated Power.

“He's a Meath man and it's important that we acknowledge the achievements of both Colin and even more so, Ger Lyons who has provided the majority of the winners,” stated Meade.

“Colin is a lovely lad, he hasn't changed with all these winners and I'm just pleased to have been able to supply a couple for him in recent weeks,” he added.