Rubiana (right) beats Loch Luatha © Photo Healy Racing
The AJC Group Handicap Chase turned into a test of stamina and Rubiana ran out a convincing winner for Caroline McCaldin.
There was plenty of pace on in the extended two-mile-seven contest and JJ Slevin held his mount up before delivering her late.
She was produced to chase the leaders two from home and got to the front at the bottom of the hill.
The 7/2 favourite (backed from 13/2 this morning) was soon in control and went on to post a six-and-a-half length success over Loch Luatha
Rubiana, a daughter of Scorpion, had won a point-to-point in February 2019 and was opening her 'track' account this afternoon.
McCaldin said: “Rubiana came to me a year ago and she has been second and placed.
“She seems to love it around here and JJ gave her a brilliant ride. She did it really well.
“I expected her to run well but when I looked up and saw she was favourite I wasn’t expecting that.
“I didn’t know if the trip would be ideal but there was nothing else for her coming up. The ground suited her perfectly, it didn’t suit her last week in Punchestown and went against her.
“I have 16 in at the minute and I’m in Dromara, Co Down — only 20 minutes from here.”
(Quotes by Michael Graham)
