Lady Lyrath (noseband) can't hold off the challenge of Happy Anniversary (left)© Photo Healy Racing
The Dick Donohoe trained Happy Anniversary got up close home to beat Lady Lyrath by a neck in the Tote Jackpot Handicap under Joseph O’Brien.
Lady Lyrath (8/1) took up the running with a furlong to go under Gary Carroll for Shane Duffy but she couldn’t hold off the challenge of Happy Anniversary who came through to win at the odds of 10/3.
The 6yo daughter of Intikhab finished second on her last start at Gowran last Tuesday and managed to go one place better today. Irish Reel was sent off the 7/4 favourite and he finished third under Pat Smullen for Harry Rogers.
Winning trainer Dick Donohoe, who recorded his last winner at the Bellewstown Festival last year, said afterwards: "She showed a bit of form in Gowran and also a bit in Ballinrobe. She is entered again at Leopardstown on Thursday.
"Joseph gave her a great ride. He is the man in form.
"Bellewstown has been a good track for me. Mt Weather won her last year for me and I’ve also had a bumper winner here."
After the race the Stewards suspended Gary Carroll, rider of the runner-up Lady Lyrath, for two days for careless riding.
(On-course reporting by Michael Graham)
