Stars align as Annie wins easily

There was a poignant success in the opener at Wexford, division one of the Cahore Point Handicap Hurdle, as the Mrs Riona Molony-owned and bred Sister Annie (14/1) ran out an easy winner, in the hands of her son-in-law, Johnny Cullen, who also trains the Beneficial mare.

Mrs Molony's husband, Thurles supremo, Pierce, only passed away back in January, and their daughter Annmarie is married to Cullen.

In this two miler Sister Annie led two out and she asserted at the last on her way to a most convincing five and a half length success from Havana Dancer

"It's my Dad's birthday today so it's an emotional win. This is the first winner John has had for my parents. The stars all aligned today," revealed Annmarie.

"She had been disappointing but the good ground today suited her. She didn't travel at all well to Thurles the last day and the short journey today also helped. We are based in Bunclody now and have been there around a year."

The Stewards requested a report from John Laurence Cullen, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of Sister Annie, placed first, as compared with its recent form.

The trainer reported that his charge disappointed on her last start at Thurles on yielding to soft ground. He added that his charge travelled much better on today's good, good to yielding ground.

Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the explanation offered.

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Simple Joys (GB), trained by Mrs Denise Foster, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to have injured a right hind cannon bone in running.

(DM & EM)