Cailin Annamh jumps a hurdle on her way to victory under Barry Geraghty© Photo Healy Racing
The Jessica Harrington trained Cailin Annamh (fitted with cheekpieces for the first time) bounced back from her recent Limerick defeat, as she ran out an easy winner of the Michael Moore Car Sales Mercedes Mares Novice Hurdle.
After winning her maiden hurdle on the second attempt at Wexford last month, she was well fancied to follow up in novice contest at Limerick.
She was sent off the 4/5 favourite on that occasion but she found Chiltern Hills a length and a half too good.
Well-supported to get back on track this evening (5/4 this morning with Paddy Power, and 9/10 to 8/11 on-course), she tracked the leaders throughout and was third at the halfway stage.
She made a slight mistake at the third last, but she was sent to the front by Barry Geraghty at the next, and she kept on well from there to score comfortably by ten lengths.
Lily The Lioness was squeezed for room approaching the second last, and she kept on well to take second at 12/1 under Shane Butler for Sean Treacy. Lady Of Glencoe (8/1) completed the placings a length and three parts back under Ian McCarthy for Dessie Hughes, while the front-running New River had to settle for fourth.
Barry Geraghty said afterwards: "She got in a bit tight at the third last, but she recovered well and she is a mare that is improving."
Jessica Harrington added: "She did it well. The cheekpieces probably lit her up a bit too much, but she did jump better today.
"She likes that ground but as she gets stronger she will probably go on softer.
"We will look for another mares novice for her now.”
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
