Top class Keane's Dundalk double

International Jockeys' Championship runner-up Colin Keane signed off for 2018 with a  double at Dundalk tonight.

Keane, who made a big impact at Happy Valley a couple of weeks ago, kept his Irish form  ticking over nicely after also landi9ng a winner at the Louth track on Wednesday night.

This evening he maintained his good strike-rate with trainer Michael Halford when Sky Seven completed the double leading inside the final furlong

"Colin gave him a good ride, kept it simple and he galloped out strong to the line," stated 
Halford.

The Halford-trained Ahlan Bil Zain initiated the brace winning a seven furlong handicap

There was also some Christmas cheer for Ratoath trainer Dermot McLoughlin who got one winner and was edged out of a double by a head when Waitaki was beaten,

However, there was compensation when Commander Won obliged in a handicap with a front-running display for jockey Conor Maxwell.

“That’s the only way to ride him, and he broke well tonight. He’s tough and genuine and that’s six wins here," stated McLoughlin.

Maintaining the Meath theme, Stamullen handler John McConnell also made it into the winners' enclosure with the Pamela White-owned  Spanish Dawn in a mile and a quarter handicap.

Top national hunt jockey Rachel Blackmore also featured in that race, but on this occasion didn't have the ammunition on the 'Shark' Hanlon-trained Motcomb Street.