Annie Agnew takes Down Royal opener under Torrens

The Dale Farm Dromona 3-Y-O Hurdle went to 2/1 second-favourite Annie Agnew who got the better of a three-way battle on the run-in under Simon Torrens.

The daughter of Sir Percy, runner-up on her debut at Ballinrobe last month, was always prominent and took over in front at the third-last where Spinning Web disputing at the time, blundered.

The latter came again, though, and was only half-a-length adrift at the line with Doctor Nightingale who thought about running out when improving on the inner two out, just a neck further away in third.

Gerald Quinn, who trains the winner for PJ McBurney in Dunloy Co Antrim, said: "We always thought a lot of her. We thought the last day she would improve from the run.

"Simon says she wasn't doing a wild lot there in doing the donkey work in front.

"I was sort of a bit worried that the ground had gone to good to yielding, she would prefer it a bit quicker. She has Flat pace in her pedigree.

"Listen she is exciting and one to look forward to, I've never had one like her."

Quotes from Michael Graham