Clifftop a poignant winner for Rogers family

Clifftop was a poignant winner of the first division of the Mary Rogers Memorial Handicap in Bellewstown in the hands of Siobhan Rutledge.

Trained by Mary's husband, Harry Rogers, the six-year-old gelding stayed on strongly past the road to win by three parts of a length and was well backed from 5/1 to 10/3 favourite.

The race was sponsored by the Rogers family in memory of Mary. The popular Ardee trainer got a great reception from the crowd around the parade ring. All his family including young grandchildren were in attendance to enjoy the victory. Ellaat kept on well for second at 4/1 and was half a length in front of Star Official (18/1).

Rogers said: “Mary loved horses and loved animals. She was the brains of the operation and was at Bellewstown last year when this horse was second. That was the last day she went racing.

“This is a special win and she must be looking down on us. Siobhan gave him a good ride.”

The Stewards interviewed Siobhan Rutledge, rider of Clifftop, concerning her use of the whip in closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that Siobhan Rutledge was in breach of Regulation 10.3(g) (frequency) and having considered her record they suspended her for eight race days.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee