Trainer Sarah Dawson© Photo Healy Racing
Sarah Dawson’s patience was rewarded when Rubiana got off the mark at Kirkistown Point-to-Point on Saturday.
The six-year-old mare has taken time to come to hand and scored at the fourth time of asking when making all for Declan Lavery.
“She has a big, long stride and she is a fantastic jumper, she just gallops and jumps,” said County Down trainer Dawson.
“She always gets into a rhythm and she would make a length at every fence. We just thought there was no point sitting in behind and losing your advantage.
“She would probably be better right-handed, she was a bit right-handed (today).
“She was a tricky mare to break and had to be re-broken three times but now she is as straightforward as they come — she gallops and jumps.
“It has taken time and she’s huge, she’s nearly 17 hands.
“I’m delighted for the owners Anne and Andrew Wishart as they have been in the game a long time. They are from Saintfield and Andy is a building contractor.
“They’ve bred her so she’s owner-breeder. They want to keep her to breed from.
“She will probably go to the track at some point to help her pedigree.”
