SHANE Foley had a big day at Navan on Wednesday when tying things up in the jockeys’ title race with a treble on the card.

After a brief lean spell in the last couple of weeks, the Kilkenny pilot bounced back in style when firing in three winners from six rides at the Meath venue.

He was seen to good effect on Inflection Point in the Newgrange Handicap when coaxing the Kieran Cotter-trained gelding home to secure a cosy success for owners Tan Kai Chah and Mrs J. M. Ryan.

The 5/1 shot was prominent throughout in the five-furlong contest and, despite carrying his head high when asked for an effort, he stayed on well late on to secure a one-and-three-quarter-length win.

Cotter said: “His head carriage is a bit high but you can’t knock him as he’s won his maiden and ran off 85 here and won. I wouldn’t mind having a few more like him.”

Half an hour later Foley was back in the winner’s enclosure when teaming up with boss Jessica Harrington to score with Laelaps in the mile maiden.

The Exceed And Excel gelding made all and picked up well in the closing stages to record a convincing two-and-a-quarter-length win over Emporio.

Foley, in the colours of Newtown Anner Stud, said: “He’s a horse that should have no problem going a mile and a quarter next year but he thinks he’s a six-furlong horse in his head!”

Hat-trick

Newgirlintown completed the hat-trick in the concluding Yellow Furze Handicap when scoring for Ger O’Leary.

The 11/4 favourite was produced to dispute a furlong and a half out and stayed-on best in the closing stages to beat Giorni Felice by a length and a half for Lance Bloodstock Limited.

“It’s great for Ger who has been good to me all year. They all count now at the moment!” said Foley. “It’s been a good day. I had a quiet run for a couple of weeks with seconds and that so it’s good to get back on the scoresheet.”

Alarm Call collects for Keane

COLIN Keane has briefly kicked three clear in the jockeys’ championship after the victory of Alarm Call in the opening Arkle Bar Median Auction Maiden.

The Ger Lyons-trained filly had been an eye-catcher when fourth on her debut at Naas and stepped forward from that run.

She came to lead inside the final furlong and beat Colfer Kay by three-quarters of a length to give Glenburnie another winner for owner Khalid Abdullah.

“She was a late developer so it’s all about next year and I think she is smart,” commented the trainer’s brother and assistant Shane Lyons.

Apprentices shine

Having recorded his first ever winner in the Irish Stallions Farms EBF Fillies Handicap last year, Dylan Browne McMonagle struck again in the €28,500 contest on board Memyselfandmoi.

The winner was another for his boss Joseph O’Brien as the daughter of Pour Moi made all for a gutsy neck success over Stormy Belle for the Rugby & Racing Syndicate.

Sam Ewing came in for plenty of praise from Pat Martin after claiming the apprentice handicap on board Pretty Smart.

The 4/1 shot was delivered to lead inside the final furlong and record a length success for Patricia Walsh.

“He’s a talented rider. I thought they went very hard and he was clever enough not to panic,” said the local handler.

McAteer’s form

Luke McAteer continued a fine run of form when scoring on Na Caith Tobac in the first division of the Yellow Furze Handicap for Ann Carney.

Paul Flynn’s charge was soon in front in the 10-furlong contest and galloped on strongly in the closing stages to post a one-and-three-quarter-length success over Vita Veritas.

“It was a great ride. I didn’t give him any instructions as he knows him, he’s great value for the 7lb and that’s the last day he has that claim,” said Flynn.

MARTIN Hassett was delighted to be able to repay the faith of his owners the The Tipp Ramblers Partnership after Harry’s Hill struck on his first start in handicap company in the Slane Nursery.

Ronan Whelan’s mount travelled well to lead a furlong and a half out in the sprint, over the minimum trip, before going on to record a cosy two-length success.

The Thurles handler said afterwards: “He was bought in lockdown by two electricians and a publican, he was to go for the breeze-ups, so a red carpet should be out for them when things open!”