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Gary Carson

Gary Carson

Walsh praises Bates after Anna scores

Thu 24th Jan 2013, 15:12

Rory Anna on top from Barneys HonourRory Anna on top from Barneys Honour
© Photo Healy Racing

Top weight Rory Anna pulled away in the closing stages to post a comprehensive success in the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle at Gowran Park.

Declan Bates tracked the leaders throughout in the 2m1f event before moving up to challenge three from home on the 12/1 shot (from 10/1).

The John Joe Walsh-trained mare hit the front at the second last but was soon pressed by 9/4 favourite Barneys Honour

She had to get down to work to deal with that rival but was on top at the final flight and stretched clear on the run-in to post a four-and-a-half length winning margin.

The winner was turning out quickly having been third at Naas just last Saturday.

“She ran well at Naas on Saturday but she won easier than we thought she would here,” said Walsh.

“Declan kept her out wide for better ground and she likes a bit of daylight as well. He gave her a smashing ride. It was his first ride for me and we'll have to think about using him again!”

(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)

About Gary Carson
Gary started out as a trainee/assistant journalist with the Sporting Life newspaper and has worked in the racing industry for over 25 years. He has been with the Press Association since 2013 and won the Irish Field Nap Table in 2016. He enjoys working with horses and trained his own horse, Mamaslittlestar, to win a point-to-point in 2019.