Scarlet Dancer and Siobhan Rutledge © Photo Healy Racing
Scarlet Dancer ended a long losing streak when making virtually all in the first divide of the Leo Dolan Memorial Handicap.
Last successful as a juvenile at Chester in 2021, the Divine Prophet bay has been placed numerous times since and was second when last seen at Gowran.
Owned and trained by John McConnell, the five-year-old was sent off a 14/1 chance this evening and soon got to the front under Siobhan Rutledge.
Ridden with a furlong and a half to go, he found plenty for pressure and came home three-and-a-half lengths to the good.
Returned 5/1 co-favourites, Golden Days and Leviosa finished second and third respectively, while Trueba who was the other sharing favouritism, was sixth.
Rutledge said in the aftermath: "He was very game. He jumped out of the gates really well and I just tried to settle him in front because he can be keen going.
"In fairness to him he stuck it out well, I thought the trip might stretch him a bit but he was game all the way to the line, pulling him up was the only problem I had.
"It was a very open race, there were a few of them in there that had been second or third the last day. He has been knocking on the door, like a lot of them in this division, so it's good that he got his head in front."
STEWARDS REPORTS
G.M. Ryan, rider of Asisaid trained by P.J.F. Murphy, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was slowly away.
D. McMonagle, rider of Field Of Honour (GB), trained by Aidan Melia, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount finished lame. The IHRB Veterinary Officer subsequently confirmed the animal was lame behind.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
