18+ | Commercial Content | T&Cs apply | Wagering and T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly | Advertising Disclosure
icon
Michael Graham

Michael Graham

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

Mon 15th Jan 2024, 14:53

Annalecka, near side, wins a thrillerAnnalecka, near side, wins a thriller
© Photo Healy Racing

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

About Michael Graham
Michael has worked in horse racing journalism for more than 15 years, having also written a weekly betting column on Gaelic football and hurling for a newspaper. He is involved in writing the My Racing Story features on this website. He spent a year in South Africa completing a Diploma in Business Administration and also studied Newspaper Journalism in Belfast. He enjoys playing 5-a-side football on a regular basis.