Roche puts another in the net

They couldn't find an outright favourite in the seven runner I.T.B.A. Western Region Fillies Handicap at Roscommon and it was hardly surprising then to see a 10/1 shot crop up with Kanes Pass proving best under in-form Leigh Roche.

A native of the neighbouring county of Galway, Roche was getting himself on the score-sheet for the eighteenth time this campaign and he gave Willie McCreery's Kanes Pass a lovely patient steer.

The Tuam rider pulled out the Clodovil mare to launch her bid in the final quarter and she got up to beat Caprella by a head.

"I walked the track and the jar was gone out of it," commented McCreery.

He added: "Leigh gave her a great ride – I told him to miss it (the break) – ride her for a place and see how you go.

"I knew the best of the ground was where he came up the straight and she'll go to Galway now for a seven furlong handicap.

"Leigh is like a striker – he's hitting them in from all over."

W.M. Lordan, rider of Ashtaroth (GB), trained by T. Stack, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount struggled in this race, this being her first run in a handicap having only run once previously.

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Ashtaroth (GB), trained by T. Stack, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

The Stewards requested a report from W. McCreery, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Kanes Pass, placed first, as compared with her previous run at Leopardstown 11th May 2014. W. McCreery, trainer, reported that this filly disappointed at Leopardstown for no apparent reason. Consequently the filly was given a break and was allowed to freshen up which he felt was his only valid reason for the improved run today. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the content of the report.

(DM & EM)