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Pat Keane

Himmah should not have been allowed to run after pre-race antics

Himmah should not have been allowed to run after pre-race antics

If you backed the Kevin Prendergast-trained Himmah to win a five furlongs two-year-old maiden at Navan last Saturday then you were more than entitled to feel especially piddled-off with Irish racing.

Sat, 27 May, 2017

All aboard the Aidan O’Brien bandwagon

All aboard the Aidan O’Brien bandwagon

O’Brien has an uncanny ability for getting it right on the big day, writes Pat Keane.

Sun, 14 May, 2017

Homesman let-off truly baffling

Homesman let-off truly baffling

How did the stewards allow the Aidan O’Brien-trained Homesman keep that maiden at Limerick last Sunday, asks Pat Keane.

Sat, 06 May, 2017

Duke success transforms Irish National landscape

Duke success transforms Irish National landscape

The Irish Grand National had been in decline for a number of years, but one’s faith in Ireland’s premier National Hunt race was renewed by a scintillating display from Our Duke at Fairyhouse on Monday.

Sat, 22 Apr, 2017

Turf Club already under pressure to backtrack on revised Rule 212

Turf Club already under pressure to backtrack on revised Rule 212

We will all be focussed on Aidan O’Brien’s appeal this week, writes Pat Keane.

Sat, 08 Apr, 2017

Fairness and common sense sadly lacking in Gowran case

Fairness and common sense sadly lacking in Gowran case

It really is some mess now. Remember, we wrote here a couple of weeks ago regarding what could be best described as a nothing race at Gowran Park on March 11.

Sat, 01 Apr, 2017

19 Cheltenham winners - but the underbelly tells a very different story

19 Cheltenham winners - but the underbelly tells a very different story

It really is one of the great contradictions. The evidence provided by the Cheltenham festival - an unprecedented 19 winners for Ireland - tells us that the National Hunt game in this country is absolutely flying, writes Pat Keane.

Sun, 26 Mar, 2017

Rule 212 action taken by Gowran stewards was extreme

Rule 212 action taken by Gowran stewards was extreme

It will be a surprise should the somewhat draconian penalties be allowed to stand, writes Pat Keane.

Sun, 19 Mar, 2017

Punters should proceed Cheltenham with extreme caution!

Punters should proceed Cheltenham with extreme caution!

Cheltenham this afternoon is an absolute minefield and punters would do well to proceed with extreme caution.

Wed, 15 Mar, 2017

Jade a strong each-way fancy in Mares’ Hurdle

Jade a strong each-way fancy in Mares’ Hurdle

Extending Cheltenham to four days has seriously diluted what’s on offer and it is very much illustrated by this afternoon’s Racing Post Arkle Trophy.

Tue, 14 Mar, 2017