Currumbin provided
with his 100th winner of the year at
– and at the same time helped trainer
begin his new career in the best possible fashion.
Keady has been on a joint-licence with Mike Murphy in Bedfordshire, but having taken out a lease on Revida Place on Newmarket’s Hamilton Road, he is now going it alone.
A graduate of the British Racing School, his aim was to become a jockey but he clearly has a talent for training instead.
Currumbin was sent off the 9-4 favourite and despite being slowly away in the Build Your Acca With BetUK Handicap, never looked like being beaten.
“I’m absolutely delighted, the horse is owned by a syndicate I run with my best friend Dan and it’s his birthday today. My first runner and Kieran’s 100th – I’m delighted for everyone, it’s a great start,” Keady told Sky Sports Racing.
“I’m looking forward to what the future holds, it’s very exciting and I’m very grateful for the support of all my owners, especially Jim Gill who helped set me up, hopefully I can reward him with a winner.
“I’ve a runner on Sunday at Lingfield (Ravensbourne) so hopefully we can keep the 100 per cent strike rate going.”
For Shoemark, now attached to the John and Thady Gosden yard, it was a first century.
“I’m thrilled, it’s been a bit of a target for a while now and I’m delighted for Michael,” he said.
“I’d ridden plenty for him when he was in partnership with Michael Murphy so I’m thrilled for him to get his first winner.
“Without a doubt Friendly Soul winning the Prix de l’Opera was the highlight of my year and I’ve been very lucky to ride some good horses.”