Colin Keane weaves magic on first Sandown ride

weaved some magic aboard Town And Country to make his first ride at Sandown a winning one in the BetMGM Stakes.

Trained by Grand National and Gold Cup-winning Henry de Bromhead, the Earthlight filly had rattled the crossbar in two efforts so far this term and at one stage looked she could be an unlucky loser once again as her rider searched for an opening aboard his powerfully-travelling mount.

However, Keane got the 5-2 second favourite out and motoring just in time to hit the line just in front of Clive Cox’s Hold A Dream, with a photo required to determine the short head verdict in the Listed event.

The win extends the six-time Irish champion’s stellar week since being appointed Juddmonte’s retained rider and as he is set to be a more regular sight on British soil, it was a fine way to get accustomed to Esher.

Keane told Racing TV: “She was keen and Billy Lee told me she could be but I didn’t think she would be that bad and she ended up bringing me into a couple of pockets.

“To be fair to her she only got out in the last half furlong and she has done well to win. I think over here when she gets used to proper sprinting it will suit her and the quicker they go the better as she will relax and we’ll see the best of her.

“I would have thought she could go on to run well in Group company.”