Horse bred on Offaly farm taking part in major race in Ohio tonight

A horse which was bred in Offaly will be taking part in one of the biggest harness racing events in America when she competes at the $250,000 Jugette event in Ohio later this evening (Wednesday).

Oakwood Annabella was bred by brothers Derek and James Delaney at Oakwood Stud in Rhode.

The three-year old filly was sold as a yearling and is owned by Limerick's Dennis Copse. Having started her racing career in Ireland and the UK, she recently raced twice in the US and was victorious on both occasions.

Tonight she will run in the second of two heats, or eliminations, in the hope of making the Jugette final which will also be held tonight. The total purse for this year's Jugette is a whopping $253,800.

Derek Delaney's wife, Lillian, said there was a great sense of anticipation in Rhode about Oakwood Annabella's involvement in such a prestigious race.

"There's a lot of excitement around the place. We will all be watching it later on," she said.

"We would have travelled to it if we could, and it would have been lovely to be there to see the horse race, but with the Covid restrictions nobody could fly into America to watch it."

The racing will be available for viewing, free of charge, on the Ohio Harness Horsemen Association's live stream.