Five up with five to go
The 2017 flat racing season draws to a close at Naas on Sunday 5th November and the day will be marked by presentations to the champion owner, trainer, jockey and apprentice with Trim man Colin Keane in contention for honours.
Colin Keane, the champion apprentice in 2014, currently leads nine-time champion jockey Pat Smullen by five winners (92-87) after racing at Navan on Wednesday as he seeks a first senior title.
Keane (23) is stable jockey to Ger Lyons and has enjoyed a number of notable wins this season including the Group 3 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Brownstown Stakes on the Roger Varian-trained Realtra at Fairyhouse and the Group 3 Coolmore Stud Home Of Champions Stakes on the Lyons-trained Psychedelic Funk at Tipperary.
Smullen was first crowned champion jockey in 2000 and is chasing a 10th title.
The race for champion apprentice is an even tighter affair with Donegal rider Oisin Orr leading Killian Leonard and the side-lined Ana O’Brien by just two winners. Orr has 20 winners, Leonard rode his 18th winner of the season at Navan on Wednesday to join O’Brien on the same mark. She has not ridden since a fall at Killarney in July.
Mrs John Magnier’s involvement with horses such as Tattersalls Irish 1,000 Guineas winner Winter and Group 2 Derrinstown Stud Flying Five Stakes winner Caravaggio will see her retain the title of champion owner for the 15th time since 2000.
Aidan O'Brien is once again the Champion Flat Trainer, topping off a fantastic season at home and broad for Ballydoyle.
The presentations will take place at Naas after racing on Sunday 5th November.
FINAL FIVE
Dundalk (Friday) 27th October
Leopardstown Saturday 28th October
Dundalk Wednesday 1st November
Dundalk Friday 3rd November
Naas Sunday 5th November