St Anthonys Corner sneaks in late to make winning debut for Lee

Although only second reserve overnight, the Norman Lee trained St Anthonys Corner made the most of the opportunity when making a winning racecourse debut in the opening Auray Assessors Fillies Maiden Hurdle at Ballinrobe.

Despite being a half-sister to a dual winner in Britain, the daughter of Soldier Of Fortune was sent off a 50/1 outsider in this field.

Jockey Robbie Geoghegan made his move after two out, pushing his mount along to close the gap on leader Leitzel and closest pursuer Struck By Churchill.

The latter looked the most likely winner as he loomed up on the outside to lead entering the home straight but St Anthonys Corner found plenty for pressure, staying on strongly inside the final 200 yards to run out a three-quarter-length winner.

Norman Lee said: "She's a nice filly who works very well and is very good to jump. I expected her to run a big race. She can be a little bit buzzy, so I put the hood on her today.

"She has a lovely pedigree. I bought her last year in the Land Rover (now Arkle) Sale at Goffs and I sold her to Tommy O'Donnell, who's a publican from Gort, for a little bit of profit the following day.

"It's a great start to her career and I'm delighted for Tommy."

Additional reporting by Mark Nunan.