Lady Scathach bounds clear off a lightweight

The 11/4 favourite Annexation and Lady Scathach (13/2) both moved into contention travelling well entering the final quarter mile of the Wilkinstown Handicap, but it was the latter who quickened up best in the hands of Danny Sheehy.

The 5-y-o mare by Zoffany, three times successful last season, bounded clear to defeat the market leader (trying to concede 22lbs to the winner) by two and a half lengths.

Placed on two of her three starts since racing resumed, including when a fast-finishing third at Cork on Sunday, Lady Scathach got in as second reserve and took full advantage.

Winning trainer Tom McCourt, saddling his fourth winner of the season, said: “She was very unlucky on Sunday. We probably would have went to Leopardstown (on Saturday) if she had gotten in but she did that very well there.

“She was a stone lighter than anything else in it and she has a nice turn of foot when things go right for her off a nice pace.

“She quickened up very well in Cork the other day but she just didn't get the gaps and only got going very late. I'd say she would have hacked up with a clear run.

“It would be nice if she was in somewhere else in a day or two but unfortunately she's not. She could be a nice one for Galway if she goes up enough to get in as she's coming into real good form at the minute.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson