Howd’yadoit stuns Lyons by repelling raiders in Naas feature

Howd’yadoit left Ger Lyons “gobsmacked”, as Colin Keane timed it to perfection in landing the richly-endowed Irish EBF Ballyhane Stakes at Naas.

Completing a treble on the day, Keane got up close home on the 13-2 chance – who had shed his maiden tag at the fourth time of asking at Down Royal last month – to hold off Unbreakable Duke by a nose.

Unbreakable Duke was subsequently demoted to third, with Summer Is Tomorrow promoted to second, following a stewards’ inquiry into interference.

Britain's principal raider Jel Pepper (6-4 favourite) was fourth for Paul and Oliver Cole, while Prix Robert Papin winner Green Sense was withdrawn by Joseph O’Brien due to unsuitable ground.

Lyons – who teamed up with Keane to land this race with Sacred Bridge in 2021 – admitted: “I’m gobsmacked, as I didn’t think he’d be good enough.

“What an honest horse, he’s been doing it well. We wanted to win a maiden en route to winning a nursery, but he (handicapper) hit him with a mark that I thought was ridiculous for what I felt was a poor maiden.

“We came here because it was a good pot, and I said any bit of the prize-money is grand. Never in my wildest dreams did I think he’d win.”

He added: “I’m delighted as Sean’s (Jones, owner) horses are now bought for and named by his sons Eddie and James to keep them interested and they are here today. They are the next generation, so it’s great.

“Sean has been with me from day one and it couldn’t happen to a nicer guy.”

Earlier, Bonus Time made all to land the Ironxcell For Energy Race.

The 2-5 shot was sent straight to the head of the field by Colin Keane, with Zuheila racing keenly in behind.

Keane did not have to ask the daughter of Too Darn Hot too many questions, as the Paddy Twomey-trained filly ran out a half-length winner from Kodilicious, who kept on well for second, with the still green Zuheila in third.

Twomey said: “Her last run was her first run for us and we tried seven in a handicap. She ran really well and Andy (Oliver)’s horse is a good horse that beat her just at the line.

“First time in a handicap carrying 10st and I just thought the last 50 yards looked a long way, so we said we’d come back to six today.

“It looked a nice spot for her and I’m very happy how she did it. Colin looked after her and gave her a nice ride.

“Colin said she could be dropped in and that she was waiting there in front.”

The three-year-old is owned by Yorkshire-based Bond Thoroughbred Limited, and Twomey added: “We’ll try to get some black type with her eventually and she might go to the Ebor meeting in York.”