A pair of noses split first three home as Annalecka takes honours

The game Annalecka (2/1) held on off the front in a thrilling renewal of the mares' maiden hurdle on Punchestown's card.

She was strongly pressed, and indeed headed before the last, by the favourite Pallas Athene but rallied to jump it on terms. She jumped it better than Pallas Athene to regain the lead on the run-in, but wasn't home as both Ashdale Flyer and Kiltealy Park unleashed late challenges.

Annalecka wasn't helping Ricky Doyle as she edged left on the run-in and the two late challengers were delivered on the inner in the closing stages as Pallas Athene was first to give best in fourth.

Ashdale Flyer was up in another stride, but lost out by the minimum margin of a nose at 5/1. Kiltealy Park, who came between the first and second was another nose back in third at 12/1.

Trainer Mark Fahey said: “Ricky was good on her. He said she took a bit of a blow and she should improve. It was a tight finish and I’m very glad we came out the right side of it.

“Pat Moran (owner) is from Mayo and he gets a great kick out of it. He’s come up here with all the family and they’ve had a great day out.

“His brother Brian bred her and he has a few half-sisters at home, so it’s great.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee