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Pirate Anne Bonny takes opener

Pirate Anne Bonny and Billy Lee win for owner Robert Moran and trainer Paddy TwomeyPirate Anne Bonny and Billy Lee win for owner Robert Moran and trainer Paddy Twomey
© Healy Racing Photos

The Paddy Twomey-trained Pirate Anne Bonny stepped up from her debut in Naas when finishing second with a facile performance in the Final Furlong Podcast with 1xbet.ie Irish European Breeders Fund Fillies Maiden, as she coasted to a six-and-a-half-length success with the Johnny Murtagh-trained Little Darling in behind.

It was plain sailing for the daughter of Blackbeard, who broke well and made all in the contest and showed a nice turn of foot in the closing stages to get away from her rivals.

Speaking after the race, jockey Billie Lee said: "It was a grand race to ride. She popped away. We didn't go mad but just built away. I just loved the way she quickened the last two furlongs and she was doing it at her ease. She's a filly that is still raw looking. You'd be hoping she'd be a nice, stronger filly next year. She's very straightforward, great attitude and just gets on with her job. I'd say that would be it for the year. Robert will have plenty of fun chasing black type with her next year. I'd say if she strengthened up, you'd like to think she'd be getting a mile next year, although she has plenty of pace for seven furlongs."

(Quotes from John O'Riordan)

About Niall Tierney
Niall is a DCU graduate from Kildare with experience in sports journalism and digital media. He has previously worked with Reach.com and contributed freelance pieces to the Irish Independent and the Irish Mirror. With a strong passion for sport including racing, football, GAA, and hurling.