'I loved him straight away' - hurdles debutant Indian River makes winning start for Adrian Keatley

Classic-winning trainer Adrian Keatley took a couple of Listed races in another good Flat season but he remains keen on jumpers and was delighted to see Indian River make a successful start.

The twice-raced Flat maiden, bought privately out of John Murphy's yard in County Cork, battled gamely under Brian Hughes to take the juvenile hurdle by a head from French winner Turenne.

The first two pulled 28 lengths clear and Keatley said of Indian River: "He's a lovely horse. He came out of a good school in Ireland and was highly recommended.

"We haven't had him that long, but when I went over to see him in Ireland I loved him straight away. Gary Wilson was looking for a jumper and when we found this fella he fitted the criteria.

"He did it well considering it was only his third run on the track, so we're delighted. He jumped very well apart from missing the second-last a little bit – you'd expect that first day at school. We'll have to make a plan, but it's a nice start."

It was the trainer's fourth winner of the 2025-26 campaign and he said: "I like to have a few jumpers every year, I have a half a dozen and they're nice to have around the place, to keep everyone busy and on their toes."

Power on

Jack Power won his third race in four rides when taking the conditional jockeys' handicap chase on the Chris Kellett-trained I See The Sea.

"Things are going very well," said the rider. "I have to thank my agent Richard Hale and the trainers who have been supporting me. I couldn't be happier."

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