Anna gets Larkin off the mark

Seamus Larkin, who trains at Gusserane near New Ross, recorded his first racecourse success as his Dante Anna took the Jim Ryan Racecourse Services Handicap Chase.

The ten-year-old daughter of Anshan was beaten by just a neck over hurdles at Clonmel last week and she was sent off at just 5/1 here.

Held up towards rear she made progress into fifth at the eleventh and was ridden before two out where she made a mistake.

She made further progress to lead after the last and kept on well on the run-in to score by three parts of a length. Redclue was sent off the 6/4 favourite (from 7/4 on-course) and he had to settle for second under Andrew Lynch for Gillian Callaghan. Tomcoole Lad (10/1) finished third under Brian Hayes for Lar Byrne while Banana Flambe (5/1) completed the placings a further three and a half lengths back in fourth under Ruby Walsh for Edward O'Grady.

The winner was ridden by David Mullins who was recording a double having earlier took the fourth aboard Lettermacaward

Larkin said afterwards: "That's my first track winner and I have just four in. I've had a few point-to-point winners before.

"I have bred plenty of winners like Puget Blue, Coole River and Dempsey, they were the best of them.

"I have the licence four or five years but I haven't had that many runners.

"She is honest and tough and as game as they come. We will give her a break now for a couple of weeks. David gave her a brilliant ride, he was very good on her."

The successful bay mare is owned by Laurence Murphy from Ramsgrange in Wexford.