Jumping wins the day for Annie

Zigger Zagger paid the price for a several jumping errors in the closing stages as Annie Oakley pounced on the run-in to claim the Pat O'Hare Bookmakers Beginners Chase at Down Royal.

Noel Meade's charge had jumped well at the head of affairs until pecking badly on landing three from home.

The 2/1 favourite still looked in control going to the penultimate fence as Annie Oakley and Aladdins Cave came under pressure behind.

A blunder there let Annie Oakley in with a chance, however, and Jessica Harrington's mare stayed on best on the run-in, under Mark Bolger, to record a two-and-a-half length victory at odds of 9/4.

The winner was gaining a confidence boosting success. She has had her own jumping issues and struggled on recent chase outings, having been pulled up on her last two starts over fences.

Kate Harrington representing her mother said:- "That was great. I'm delighted that Annie got the win as Mark had an awful fall from her at Christmas (in Limerick).

"She's a bit of a tricky customer and has had two falls. Mum has done a lot of work schooling her every second day the last few weeks. She bounced off that ground.

"It's great for Gina (Galvin, the owner) who's not here but will definitely be watching on TV. She was a great friend of my dad."

(Additional reporting by Michael Graham)