Rouge leads home Rogers one, two Harry Rogers saddled a one, two in the last at Sligo this evening, the 21st August At Sligo Handicap, as his Cheval Rouge (7/1) under Sam James led home stable companion Irish Reel (8/1). Irish Reel attempt to make all under Chris Hayes while the winner was held up in fifth. The 5yo daughter of Tagula then made headway and was ridden from two furlongs out. She went second a furlong from home and stayed on well to lead close home and score by half a length at the line. The Dermot Weld trained Diplomat, who won at Galway last week, was sent off the short priced even money favourite but he could only finish third a further length behind under Pat Smullen. The winning chestnut was stepping up in trip by three furlongs from her last two efforts. She finished fourth and third respectively on her two starts at Galway last week, behind Golden Shoe on the Tuesday and another stable mate Fit The Cove on Sunday. Winning trainer Harry Rogers said afterwards: "That worked out well. "The step up in trip suited her. I thought the other one (Irish Reel) had it but she’ll have another day. “It’s a nice result.” (On-course reporting by Alan Magee)
