Rachael Blackmore rider of Annie Alainn© Photo Healy Racing
Annie Alainn bounced back from a disappointing run at Fairyhouse on Tuesday as she took the Benedicts Nite Club Handicap Hurdle.
Pulled up on her most recent start, the Tom Mullins trained nine-year-old was sent off a 6/1 chance today in the colours of owner Melvyn Kennedy.
Settled behind the leaders she improved to the front on the approach to the straight, and kept on well under pressure on the run-in, going on to score by two and a quarter lengths under Rachael Blackmore. Rebel Ace (6/1) kept on well to take second under Barry Cash for Liam Burke, while the well-backed Star Of Angels (7's last night and from 5/1 to 4/1 and favourite at the off) was a further six lengths back in third under Katie O'Farrell for John 'Shark' Hanlon.
Tom Mullins said afterwards: "I thought she would nearly win at Clonmel but David said she took a blow down the hill. She got upset at Fairyhouse the other day and David pulled her up.
"She was fit and well and it didn't look a great race so we said we'd take a chance and come down here. She got a grand ride from a good lady rider."
STEWARDS REPORTS
A.E. Lynch, rider of The Church Gate trained by Matthew J. Smith, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount choked in running.
P.T. Enright, rider of Tighe Beithe trained by Edmond Daniel Linehan, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount stopped quickly and was pulled up.
