Conor Hoban looks around for nonexistent dangers aboard Ok Annie© Photo Healy Racing
Ok Annie appreciated the return to turf racing when making all for an impressive win in the seven furlongs Early Bird Green Fees At Gowran Handicap.
The Pat Martin-trained filly was unplaced on her last four starts at the Dundalk polytrack but relished this good to soft surface.
Conor Hoban’s mount, available at 12/1 this morning and sent off a 13/2 chance, settled the issue when quickening clear a furlong out for an easy three lengths win over Coppertop (14/1). Doublebarreljimmy (7/1) was a further length and a quarter away in third.
Martin said, “She never grew a bit over the winter but she quickened up well. After the last day in Dundalk the rider said she just doesn’t like it there.
“She won on similar ground in Sligo last year. I expected a good run but I didn’t expect that.”
Incidentally the winner is owned by Nuala Brennan, and her husband Tom's California Rose (also trained by Martin) finished last.
(Additional reporting by Donal Murphy)
