Excuzio Joe relishes conditions under Roche

Two of the 11/ 2 co-favourites for the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap, Excuzio Joe and Coill Na Sionainne were first and second throughout with the former gaining the upper hand from over a furlong out to score by half a length. Petticoat Rule filled third place another length and a half away while the other co-favourite, last week’s Bellewstown winner Mean Fomhair beat only one home on this occasion.

It was a 24th winner of the campaign for Leigh Roche on Excuzio Joe, a daughter of Epaulette whose only previous success had come on heavy ground at Galway last October.

Winning trainer Matt Smith said: “She's genuine and gutsy. The drop back to a mile on a stiff track and the rain helped her.

“I would have been disappointed if she didn't nearly win today. She ran well in Listowel last time.

“I'm delighted for (owner) Gordon Cranston who is a grand lad to train for, he doesn't put any pressure on.

“We won't complain as it was a good summer but we've been waiting on that drop of rain for her. We'll get her out again soon as she's tough and hardy.”

Quotes from Gary Carson