Annie beats Queen in Mares Maiden Hurdle

On her fourth career start, the Jessica Harrington trained Annie Oakley ran out a comfortable winner of the second at Fairyhouse, the Bobbyjo Bistro Mares Maiden Hurdle.

The 5yo daughter of Westerner was sent off at just 3/1 having finished a decent third behind Oscars Joy over the course and distance last month.

Ridden by Robbie Power, she raced in second for much of the contest before improving to lead at the second last.

She was soon ridden as Queen Of The Hill threw down her challenge under Bryan Cooper for his father Tom.

However a better jump at the last sealed the deal for Annie Oakley and she came home a three and a half length winner from Queen Of The Hill in second at 10/1.

The front pair went seven lengths clear of Shershewill who finished third at 6/1 under Ben Dalton for Aaron Stronge. Kates Benefit was sent off the 9/4 favourite for David Budds and Danny Mullins but she could only manage a disappointing seventh on her first since last February.

Winning rider Robbie Power said afterwards: "She did it well. She has only just turned five and she will be a better mare next year. She will stay three miles and is tough and honest.

"I was forcing them along as I wanted it to turn into a staying race. She jumps and stays and she loves that heavy ground.”

(Additional reporting by Gary Carson)