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Galway man Roche on the board with Calita Bonita

Cala Bonita and Leigh RocheCala Bonita and Leigh Roche
© Healy Racing Photos

Local Galway born rider Leigh Roche opened his account for the week when getting up close home on the Matthew Smith trained Cala Bonita to win the Rockshore Refreshingly Irish Handicap.

Well supported from 28/1 into 8/1, the four-year-old filly broke well and grabbed the box seat position just in behind the leaders.

Pushed along in third entering the straight, the daughter of Inns Of Court was ridden to go second over 150 yards out.

Keeping on best close home, Cala Bonita headed Zaraahmando late on for a one-and-three-quarter length win.

Matthew Smith said: "I thought she actually ran a great race the other evening at Gowran, when she drawn out wide and didn't get much of a run. She seemed well this morning so we took our chance and while we thought she wanted to go up in trip, it was obviously no issue.

"I'm delighted for Shay (Gillen), from Tullamore, as he is my principal supporter and it is great to have a winner here again this year, as I drew a blank last year. We've had winners with three horses here in the past and obviously One Cool Poet won three times in 2019. To get one here is always brilliant.

"She is second-reserve for a race on Saturday and if she gets in, she'll run all being well."

(Quotes by Thomas Weekes).

1st
8/1
Tote €9.00 €2.90
2nd
1.75L
5/1
€1.90
3rd
0.75L
18/1
€5.70
4th
1.75L
16/1
bf
1.25L
4/1Fav
About John O'Riordan
John has worked for the Press Association since 2022. He also writes a weekly column for The Irish Field and is a regular contributor to the Irish Racing Yearbook. He has previously written for the Racing Post, Irish Examiner and Irish Daily Mirror. He has been involved in racing for over three decades; having experience as a syndicate member, sole owner and breeder.