Annie Irish (12/1) ran well when a close up third as a 40/1 chance at Roscommon last time. Equipped with first-time cheek-pieces she went a couple of places better under Ross Coakley for Liz Doyle in the Ballyduane Stud Handicap at Limerick.

The fact that Coakley was a pound 'over' at eight five, didn't matter in the end, as the Wilf Goddard owned and bred Olden Times filly came out on top by half a length from Apache Gold

"She worked absolutely brilliant two days ago and I thought she'd win - I couldn't believe there were only two horses in the betting behind her," commented Miss Doyle.

"Ross gave her a very uncomplicated ride and was positive.

"She is by a stayer, out of a sprinter, so I didn't know what to expect when I got her, but she'll give us more fun for the summer."

The County Wexford handler added: "My horses have been running rotten so that was like someone taking a bag off my head!"

D.P. McDonogh, rider of Maria Montez (GB) trained by Timothy Doyle, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung badly in running.

D.M. Grant, rider of Funny How trained by Patrick J.Flynn, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung right in the straight.

C.D. Hayes, rider of Miss Temple trained by P.D. Deegan, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount ran out of racing room.

(TW & EM)