Anchor lands a gamble under Deegan for Fahy

The Pat Fahy trained Drop The Anchor landed a gamble in the last at Listowel, the Kerry Petroleum Flat Race.

Fifth of sixth on debut in a Listed contest at Limerick in April, the son of Shantou was available at 8/1 in early shows, opening on-course at 9/2, before going off a well-backed favourite at 7/2.

Settled in mid-division by Richie Deegan, the bay four-year-old took closer order from over three furlongs out, and was fifth as they entered the straight for the final time.

He was pushed along to challenge over a furlong from home, and soon quickened up smartly to lead, going on to score comfortably by three lengths.

The Mags Mullins trained Kerrkenny Gold finished second at 4/1 under Patrick Mullins, while 6/1 chance Whoshotthesheriff was another length and three parts back in third with Lisa O'Neill aboard for Gordon Elliott.

Fahy said afterwards: "We were initially aiming to go point-to-pointing with him but he showed a little more than your normal point to pointer so we decided to run him in the Listed bumper at Limerick on his first run.

"He ran very well and we were delighted with him. He got a lovely ride and a nice education. We put him away straight away and left him out for the summer.

"I wasn't aiming for this but he started to work so well and was so fit. We brought him to the Curragh and Danny Mullins rode him and said 'Pat you have him 100 percent' and he said he'd run a big race.

"It easy to talk them up, but it takes a good horse to win the day you want to him to win. If he's not sold, he'll go to Navan for a Listed bumper. He jumps hurdles well but you'd want to see him over a fence!"

The winner, who is owned by the Equine Gold Syndicate, was bought for E11,000 in the summer of 2017, while he is a half-brother to Lake Takapuna (two wins) and Mr Shantu (five wins).

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes