Cool Annie leads into the straight as Celtic Cailin (left) and Hepahepa Naeney bump into each other© Photo Healy Racing
The opening race at Downpatrick this afternoon, the Johnny Cash Tribute Mares Maiden Hurdle, went to the even money favourite Celtic Cailin under Andrew Leigh for trainer Jessica Harrington.
The 6yo daughter of Beneficial was having her seventh start over hurdles this afternoon and after finishing a decent third in a handicap hurdle at Wexford last time out behind Opera Music she was expected to deliver today.
She only prevailed by a head however as Hepahepa Naeney (9/1) for Barry Murphy and Bryan Cooper threw down a big challenge.
Having tracked the leaders early on the winner closed into second two out and was soon ridden. She hit the front entering the straight and bumped into the runner-up, Hepahepa Naeney.
She edged right close home, slightly checking the runner-up, but stayed on well to score.
She then had to survive a lengthy stewards enquiry before she was confirmed the winner. Cool Annie completed the placings five lengths back in third at 5/1 under Derek Fox for Michael McElhone.
Winning rider Andrew Leigh said afterwards: "She stuck at it well. She is a nice filly and is going the right way. She got a bit lonely in front."
The winning syndicate (the MJK syndicate) comprise of eight people from all over the country.
Pat Keating one of the syndicate members said that they got together through the ITBA leasing scheme.
Winning rider Andrew Leigh was suspended by the Stewards for two days for careless riding aboard the winner.
(On-course reporting by Michael Graham)
