Tough Cathleen not for beating in Clonmel opener

Countess Cathleen reversed Punchestown form with favourite Tell Me Annie but not before giving her connections and supporters a major scare in the Surehaul Race Day Mares Maiden Hurdle at Clonmel.

Fourth at Punchestown when Tell Me Annie was third in a contest behind Moyhenna, Countess Cathleen was getting the best of it here when pecking badly on landing two out.

Even money market-leader Tell Me Annie was soon on terms with every chance again, but Countess Cathleen grounded it out best near the finish to triumph by half a length.

Garryrichard Stud’s Denis Hickey owns and trains Countess Cathleen. She was ridden for him here by fellow Wexford man, Johnny Moore.

"She was a little bit unlucky with the mistake at the second last when she landed in a hole but did well to stay going," said Hickey.

"She did well to keep going in that ground and we'll look for a winners' race or a handicap next."

A.E. Lynch, rider of Decision Time trained by John E. Kiely, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount made a bad mistake and pulled up thereafter.

B.J. Foley, rider of Slieve Coillte trained by Michael Winters, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount did not handle the ground.

J.W. Kennedy, rider of Turanga Lilly trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount ran very green throughout the race.

(TW & EM)