Annie Oakley (Robbie Power) falls at the last to leave Andreas Pride in front© Photo Healy Racing
Andreas Pride may have had luck on her side in the John B Keane Mares Beginners Chase at Listowel but she took full advantage to provide trainer Myles Sunderland with a welcome change of luck.
The Co. Wexford handler, who recorded his previous success when this mare was awarded a maiden hurdle at Killarney last summer on technical grounds, was not going to complain though.
Regent Princess and Sligo Publican were both absent (in season) while Who Let De Dogsout was also an absentee (lame) leaving just seven going to post, and with plenty of drama just four eventually finished. Annie Oakley set the pace in this 2m3f event, and the well-backed 6/4 favourite looked set to justify punters confidence until falling at the last with a two lengths advantage.
Andreas Pride and Adrian Heskin were left in front and kept on well on the run-in to beat Springbelle by four lengths, with Roisin Dubh only battling it out for minor honours when hampered by the favourite and unseating her rider after the last.
Sunderland said, “We were unable to celebrate her last success on the day but we’ll celebrate this one!
“She’s very consistent and has been running into some good horses. She can handle quick and slow ground, and is a filly that we can have a lot of fun with.
“Adrian felt he'd have caught the leader but he might be a bit optimistic. She could be switched back to hurdles.”
