Annie one for the locals at Fairyhouse The first division of the Maher Tractor Sales Handicap over six furlongs went to the well-backed 7/4 favourite (from 5/2 in the show) Dervo Annie. The Bungle Inthejungle filly had chased home subsequent dual winner Meriden over seven furlongs at Down Royal on her previous outing. Here, she raced behind the leaders and picked up well to get on top close home, beating El Fontenaro and Whatswrongnow by half-a-length and a short-head. Winning trainer Claire O'Connell said "We were delighted with Down Royal. She’s improved a lot from her two-year-old days. “Andrew Lynch rides her all her work. We thought we were going with a bit of a chance (last time) as it was three-year-old only, it’s hard to get those handicaps. “Colin said after Down Royal that we could drop her back if we wanted. “The man that owns her, Joe Dervan, is local, from Ashbourne. It’s his first runner in these colours. “She just bumped into one on the day last time. “Colin said she’s still babyish and learning her trade. She was still little bit green at the finish. He wanted something to aim at rather than being in front and having the older horses coming at her. “He gave her a super ride, as usual. “She loves good ground, six or seven. She’s had her win now so that’s great and we’ll enjoy today.” Additional reporting by Gary Carson
