Luke Turner with Magical Annie© Photo Healy Racing
A gamble on newcomer Magical Annie came off in the fillies bumper at Galway as Luke Turner partnered his first winner.
From 25/1 in the morning, her price contracted to 8/1 on the off.
The race boiled down to a battle between her and Glens Lullaby who had the benefit of a third place at Tipperary under her belt, in the straight.
Turner's mount showed good resolution on the inner as she refused to be denied. She hit the line half a length up on 7/1 Glens Lullaby. Metkayina (11/4f) came in third, beaten five lengths by the winner.
Turner (17) said: "That was fantastic and she is a tough filly who battled to the line. She is very good.
"I'm from up north in Inishowen in Donegal and I know Oisin Orr and Dylan (Browne McMonagle) and all the boys.
"I'm based with Willie Mullins and go to Barry's (Fitzgerald, trainer) every day. That's only my sixth ride and hopefully it'll continue to go well."
Fitzgerald added: "She is a lovely filly, we gave her a break last year for the summer and brought her back with today being the plan. She is a game filly, wears her heart on her sleeve and has jumped banks in Scobie's (Aidan Fitzgerald, brother).
"A lot of fillies were talked about, but we were hopeful of a good run and she'll go to the Tattersalls November Sales now.
"Fair play to Luke as he works hard. We were gone this morning at 7am and he came in to ride out two horses before coming racing. He puts in the work and deserves the success. With the setup I have, you have to give young people a chance."
Additional reporting by Tom Weekes
