Limerick Lane owner Gerry Ryan threw his hat into the ring for the Swettenham Stud Summer Championship when Anlon won at Flemington on January 1.

Anlon (5g Stratum – Vahine by Zabeel) claimed the George Watson Hcp (1400m) and earned 10 points towards making the Championship Final on February 1.  He defeated He’s Your Man and Amaethon who picked up 8 points and 7 points in Heat 4 of the Series.

Ryan races the gelding in partnership with former NRL Kangaroo winger John Ribot.

Ribot was the first CEO of Melbourne Storm and Ryan was part of the consortium that purchased the club from News Limited last year.

Ryan also part-owns champion stayer Americain and part of the Swettenham Stud Summer Championship prize is a free service to the Melbourne Cup winner.

Anlon’s career has been stymied by wind problems, however, trainer Darren Weir has helped him overcome the setbacks with plenty of beach work.  “He is a very tough horse,” Weir said.  “It’s terrific to train winners for Gerry – he’s been a great supporter of our stable.”

Weir also prepares Ryan’s star stayer Puissance de Lune.  The Irish bred Shamardal stallion was injured in the Cox Plate last October and preliminary scans have confirmed he can return to work for the spring carnival.

Ryan purchased Anlon for $140,000 at the 2010 Magic Millions National Sale.  His dam Vahine is a sister to G1 AJC Champagne Stakes winner Isolda.