Annexation registered a second win today from three all-weather runs at Dundalk, as jockey Chris Hayes steered the Henry De Bromhead trained gelding to win the Crowne Plaza Dundalk Race & Stay Handicap.

A Grade 3 runner-up over hurdles in 2020, Annexation today followed up a course and distance mile win in December, when arriving from off the pace to beat Godhead by half a length.

Following the race Hayes reported “that was nice. I said to Henry that I'd like to ride him nice and forward but he just missed it half a beat so I had to go to Plan B.

“He travelled through it nicely and quickened up well. I think, depending on what the handicapper does, there will be another in him up here. He seems to enjoy the surface and seems good and sweet.

“I'd say that trip is probably ideal. There are a couple of options for the rest of this winter campaign. I'll have a chat with Henry, I think there could be a nice little pot up here before it's over.”

Quotes from Gary Carson