Cullen and Flanagan strike again

"I picked this out for her as it was for horses rated below 102 over hurdles," explained winning trainer John Cullen after Sister Annie owned and bred by his mother-in-law Riona Molony, sprung a 20/1 surprise under Sean Flanagan in the Strictly For Beginners Chase at Downpatrick.

"I'll have to see what mark she gets as to where she goes next," added Cullen after his second win at the training game since hanging up his riding boots. Flanagan also rode the previous one, Misty Lady, in a big handicap hurdle at Listowel just over a week back.

"The two miles six in Tramore was a bit far for her the last day. She was in better form coming here today," further explained the now Curragh-based Cullen.

He'd just watched Sister Annie add to her gains from Wexford in a handicap hurdle from last April (was a 14/1 chance that day) by coming out best by a head from Drumhart

It was certainly an exciting conclusion to this two and a quarter miler - just over five lengths covering the first six home.

D.J. Mullins, rider of Who's Cross trained by John Patrick Ryan, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount lost his action after a mistake at the fourth last fence and was pulled up.

(MG & EM)