Happy owner on hand to greet easy de Bromhead winner

Annie G (1/2 into 2/7 fav on the show) was backed as if defeat wasn’t a possibility and easily landed the Happy Retirement To John Oxx Mares Opportunity Maiden Hurdle.

Up front throughout, Henry De Bromhead’s mare left behind What Wonders Weave (4/1) going to the second last and came home 23 lengths in front of that one.

The half-sister to Westerner Point was building on a good run when second to the talented Gypsy Island at Tipperary last month.

Winning rider Hugh Morgan said “The ground (officially good, good to yielding in places) rode a little bit more dead than it walked and she handled it well.

“She was unlucky at the last at Tipperary, her momentum was stopped, but she made amends today.

“She was a little lit up early on but the minute she got to the front she settled lovely. She was picking up the whole way up the straight and went through the line very strongly."

Owners are allowed back on track in Ireland from today and, after seeing his mare do the business in style, Henry Gallagher remarked: "It's lovely, great to be here and today is our first time to see her run.

"Unfortunately with the restrictions my brother Richard couldn't be here. He is half owner with us and I'm sure he's having a heart-attack at home at the moment!

"We didn't expect much in Tipperary and then were disappointed at the end and she is named after my wife Ann Gallagher and we bred her.

"We've had winners here and there but this is our first nice filly. Henry De Bromhead rang us earlier and said she'd have every chance and should go well.

"It is quiet here but is great to be out. We'll head now and call to my brother Richard on the way home - we're from Kildorrery originally and live in Watergrasshill."

Quotes from Thomas Weekes