Rutledge times it right on Sceptred Isle

Seven-year-old Sceptred Isle had indicated when third at Navan on her previous start that a first victory may be within her compass and it duly arrived in the concluding mile and a-half handicap. 

Friendless in the market at 28/1, the daughter of Cityscape was dropped out towards rear by Siobhan Rutledge and travelled powerfully throughout. She made steady headway from the approach to the straight and led inside the final furlong to master Paradise Lost by two lengths.

Owned by Noel Nugent, the winner is now with trainer number five in the shape of George Kingston who said: "I'm a good friend of Noel's and we had a bit of luck in the past. We had a lovely winner at Clonmel once when we got a right touch, backing the horse at big prices, but that was a long time ago.

"I got this filly a month ago when I was told she had ability, so started riding her out with the other horses and she came good. We had a few quid each-way on her at Navan and got paid, but Siobhan (Rutledge) was kicking herself as she thought she should have won.

"This looked competitive but she handled the ground and she has a low hurdles mark as well. 

"I was here yesterday and travelled up and down (from Louth) but it has to be done. We were coming today with a few chances in handicaps so it was lovely to get the winner."

Quotes from Thomas Weekes