Keane lands first Irish Derby

Trim jockey Colin Keane landed his first Irish Derby success when he scored on board English raider Westover to claim the showpiece of the Irish Flat season at the Curragh this afternoon.

Westover banished memories of his third place finish in the English equivalent at Epsom with a dominant performance to score under Keane for trainer Ralph Beckett.

Keane stalked the front-running French Claim throughout and put the race to bed two furlongs out, while another of the prominently-ridden horses Piz Badile stayed on well to be second.

The race was teed up as a match between Frankel colt Westover and the other 11/8 joint favourite Tuesday, but it turned out a no-contest affair as the Juddmonte homebred powered to an emphatic success.

Always travelling in a beautiful rhythm Westover took control at the top of the straight and had stretched into an unassailable lead by the furlong pole.

At the line, there was a seven-length margin back to Piz Badile, with French Claim holding on for third a further two lengths behind. Tuesday never threatened.