Alanannda wears down Love in opener

Alanannda lunged late to land the spoils in the opening Foleys Bar & Off Licence Maiden at Sligo this afternoon.

The Dermot Weld-trained filly was sent to post the even-money favourite and pressed leader Loving A Boom throughout in the race, run over just shy of seven furlongs.

The front-runner looked to have things under control when kicking a few lengths clear two furlongs out.

Alanannda, in the Aga Khan colours, found her feet on the run-in, however, and got on top inside the last 100 yards to record a three-parts-of-a-length win under Declan McDonogh.

The winner was runner-up on her debut at Gowran Park 13 days ago.

McDonogh said:- “She was professional today. She was a bit green the last day and did a couple of things wrong in the first furlong but she was brilliant today. The run under her belt helped her.

“Chesney (Chris Hayes on Loving A Boom) quickened and took three lengths out of me but she’s game and she wanted it. When he did go away from me she wanted to chase him.

“She has plenty of heart and I’d say she’ll get another furlong.”

(Quotes by Alan Magee)