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COLIN KEANE was crowned Irish champion Flat jockey for the first time as the season closed at Naas.
Having been champion apprentice in 2014, the 23-year-old was runner-up to Pat Smullen for the last two years, but finished this term with 100 winners — 12 clear of the ninetime champion after a season-long battle.
A Naas winner for Ger Lyons, for whom Keane is stable jockey, on Inscribe got the celebrations going before the rider brought up the landmark century aboard the Matthew Smith-trained Warnaq.
Keane said: ‘It’s fantastic. I would not be in this position without the backing of Ger, and to get the 100 winners is really the icing on the cake.
‘I have to thank all the team behind me. I wouldn’t be in this position without them.
‘It’s been relentless all season, and the last month hasn’t been that enjoyable. It’s only since Friday that I’ve started enjoying it.
‘Halfway through the year I thought I had some chance. We hit the ground running and have been consistent all year round.
Keane continued: ‘It’s sunk in now and it’s a great day. I’m going to enjoy it.
‘Pat’s a world-class rider and a gentleman in the weighing room. He’ll help you any way he can. It’s a great achievement to beat him.
‘Hopefully, if we get chance when we’re not racing here we’ll get over to England next summer.’