Returning Roche wins on Cork's race-regular

Leigh Roche returned from a mid-summer injury to win on race-regular but unfancied Samrogue (28/1) in Cork's Follow Us On Social Media Handicap today, continuing trainer Ross O'Sullivan's excellent form.

Roche sustained a rib injury 34 days ago and on owner Yvonne Lavin's Samrogue, enjoyed a steering job as the six-year-old mare scooted clear of 22 rivals to win by 5.5 lengths.

Samrogue had won the 2022 renewal and finished second in last year's edition of today's race but O'Sullivan revealed “that was a big surprise as she had a break after being withdrawn in the stalls at Navan (in April) and I thought she might need the run.

“The plan was to come here and then go to Laytown but I'm not sure she will get in there now. It might have been horses-for-courses and it is her time of the year as well but she was impressive.

“It is hard to imagine a six-year-old mare improving as much as that but I suppose those sprinters can do it. We are just riding at the crest of a wave at the moment and the horses are just so healthy and well.

“Leigh and Shane Foley are so handy for riding work for us on the Curragh and Leigh is a great man. He missed a few winners due to his injury but that winner will help him ahead of the Galway festival next week.”