Elite Trooper Grey in winning form© Photo Healy Racing
Georgie Benson rode her first racecourse winner on 14/1 Elite Trooper Grey in the Kildare Village Ladies' Derby Handicap at the Curragh.
The five-year-old grey was ridden into contention on the outer with less than two furlongs to travel.
He kept finding to take a narrow initiative inside the final furlong and fended off a threatening Crassus (16/5) by a length and a quarter. Drayton Cross was a further three and a half lengths back in third at 5/1 from 17/2.
Benson said: "It means so much, I can't even believe I got a ride to be honest. To ride the winner is just unbelievable. I can't describe it to be honest.
"I've had one winner in Ireland point-to-pointing and two over in England point-to-pointing. It's my fourth winner overall.
"I worked in Cullentra for about six years when I was younger and decided to make the move to England to see if I could get more opportunity and experience. I'm back on a holiday so it is kind of a lucky ride!"
Trainer Denise Foster added: "He loved that good ground, the uphill finish and the sun on his back.
“She gave him a great ride. She held on to him and when she brought him a little bit wide he just went 'oh I'm gone'. It was a very good ride.
“She was so composed. She's ridden in point-to-points and rides out in Cullentra a lot. She'd be one of the good work riders and schools over fences as well. She's a very accomplished rider. That was great to see her do that.
“He's a lovely horse and there should be something for him in Galway. It's lovely to have a dual-purpose horse like that who can do both.
“He's a quality horse and he enjoyed that. Getting his head in front will make him feel good about himself.”
The Stewards received a report from the Clerk of the Scales, Ms. C. S. Murphy, that Miss M. Fortune, rider of Aubretia had presented to weigh out at five pounds overweight, two pounds of which had been declared at declaration time. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who stated that she had done her best to lose the weight but had been unable to do so. Having considered the evidence and the unavailability of another suitable rider, the Stewards, under the provisions of rule 198(vii)(b) allowed the overweight on this occasion. However, The Stewards were satisfied that Miss M. Fortune was in breach of Rule 195(i)(c) and Rule 198(vii) and having considered her record in this regard the Stewards fined her €150 on this occasion.
The Stewards interviewed Miss G. Benson, rider of Elite Trooper Grey, concerning her use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted that she was in breach of the regulation and apologised. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were satisfied that Miss G. Benson was in breach of Regulation 10.3.g, excessive frequency. Having considered Miss. G. Benson's record in this regard the Stewards suspended her for one race day.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
