Reappearing Abbey Actress gets connections off the mark May Day foal Abbey Actress (12/1 — 9s) scooted clear of 18 rivals to land Navan’s Arkle Bar Handicap today, to provide trainer John O’Donoghue and jockey Ronan Whelan with their first respective wins of the new season. Previously successful at Killarney last October, Abbey Actress travelled well in today’s race and quickened well in the home straight to comfortably beat Doctor Grace by 3.25 lengths, with a further 4.5 lengths to third-placed The Real Screamer. Curragh-based O’Donoghue reported "she was born a little bit later (May 1) than most, so that has probably shown and she did great from three to four. “We felt she was better than 73 (rating) but weren’t sure how much better. I was itching to run as I had her in on the first day of the season, but she got balloted and then I was cursing the good weather. She has justified us waiting anyway.” He added “it wouldn't really be our style, but we backed her up quick after winning in Killarney and went up in trip, but it didn't happen for her in Gowran. I was probably getting greedy but she had a good winter and has great, patient owners.” Quotes from Michael Graham
