Happy Anniversary wins Tote Jackpot Handicap
The R. Donohoe-trained bay mare, Happy Anniversary, is quite happy to have sealed a sterling success in the Tote Jackpot Handicap, a high-stakes Irish race that took place at Bellewstown racecourse on Sunday, July 8.
Against nine strong rivals, the six-year-old veteran runner delivered an outstanding performance to win by a narrow margin. She triggered a startling upset by beating the hot favourite candidate Irish Reel who managed to finish third on the podium.
On the 1-mile heavy course, the Thomastown Stud-bred sprinter ran under J. P. O’Brien. In the beginning stage of the race, she was trailing and nobody could imagine that the underdog would be able to outstrip all.
Suddenly and surprisingly, the brilliant daughter of Intikhab out of Happy Story placed herself at the driving seat, but Lady Lyrath and Irish Reel kept disturbing her till the finish line.
During the post-race presentation ceremony, the trainer of the winner told, “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.”
He further stated, “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."
It was Happy Anniversary’s first victory after August 28, 2008 when she broke her maiden at Ayr racecourse. For the last four years, the brilliant sprinter has been struggling badly for success but in van. But she has delivered some impressive performances
during this period.
The Sunday’s success was a big breakthrough for the 28-race veteran mare who started her career in April 2008. Overall, she has just two triumphs to her name.
Among Happy Anniversary’s competitors, Lady Lyrath finished as a runner-up while the third top spot went to Irish Reel.
As a whole, the Tote Jackpot Handicap was an amazing and exciting event that amused the spectators a lot.
It is hoped that Happy Anniversary will capitalise on the form produced by this victory to bring home some more titles by the end of the calendar year. Donohoe predicts a bright future for his mare.
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