Local rider Roche pleases punters on War

Local rider Leigh Roche partnered his second winner of the week at Galway, getting favourite Bog War home by a neck from Swamp Fox in the Guinness 50th Anniversary Handicap.

In a good race for many punters the big market-springer, Meadow Cross grabbed the place money for his backers and connections, two and a quarter lengths off them in third.

"After winning three in a row we were delighted, and really winning in Punchestown was the icing on the cake," reflected successful trainer Liam Cusack.

"Off his handicap mark here we had to have a go, and we saw this race and thought that if he's going to progress to the next level this is something he should be winning.

"He was in front probably plenty soon enough but he's tough out and Leigh was brilliant - he had him in a nice position the whole way. He travelled well.

"He's a horse that failed to sell for three and a half grand as a yearling. He's now won six races and his mother was a failed pony racer!

"We ride him out in a hood every day at home and on a windy day he can be hard to ride. I ride him a lot myself but you don't mind any of that because he's good on the track."

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Magic Kitten (USA), trained by D. K. Weld, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

(TW & EM)