Rutledge forges winning alliance with Harrington in feature

Siobhan Rutledge made her first ride for Jessica Harrington a winning one aboard Starry Heavens in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Connacht Oaks at Sligo.

The Mastercraftsman filly raced in rear on handicap debut in this extended 1m2f assignment and was ridden to try and make headway a couple of furlongs out.

Rutledge brought her widest of all into the straight and the duo stormed into contention inside the final furlong.

They surged home down the outer to get up in the closing stages and actually scored by a length and a-quarter at 18/1. No Niki No finished second at 10/1, a neck in front of 14/1 shot Dabana

Rutledge said: "I missed the break a little bit and thankfully there was plenty of pace on. We went a good gallop and I just had to bide my time and follow them around.

"Thankfully, the filly picked up really well in the closing stages and won with a bit in hand in the end.

"I spoke to Shane Foley beforehand and he was confident that she'd relish the trip.

"I'm in John McConnell's six days a week and go to Mrs Harrington one day a week. That's my first ride for her and I'm very grateful for the opportunity."

Additional reporting by Mark Nunan