Rion Rubette makes the breakthrough in style Rion Rubette made the breakthrough in style, as she easily dismissed seven rivals in the CBE Concannon Group Handicap. A runner-up when last seen at the Curragh earlier this month, the Michael Butler-trained bay was sent off a 4/1 chance this afternoon. Slow into stride under Wayne Hassett and in rear early on, the 68-rated victor still had plenty to do in seventh entering the straight. Pushed along with less than two-furlongs to go, she soon made smooth headway and led just inside the final furlong, powering clear from there to score by eight lengths. The Ger Lyons-trained Misappropriation (4/1) finished second under Nicola Burns, while Just Before, who was also returned at 4/1, was a head away in third. Well-supported from 9/2 into 11/4 favouritism, Bishopton could only manage a disappointing sixth. "That was very impressive and maybe the cut in the ground today helped, but also the extra furlong. She had been running over a shorter trip and she was unlucky to meet a good horse (Midnight Horizon) the last day," Butler reflected. "On her Curragh run I thought she might get through and win but I thought, maybe, she might only win by half a length or a length. God only knows what will happen now and she might never win again after winning eight lengths. "I'm only looking on at the training these days and Michael (son) is doing most of the work." STEWARDS REPORT * The Raceday Stewards received a report from Ms. A. O'Keeffe, Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Clerk of the Scales, regarding the fact that L.T. McAteer, rider of Moonhall Lass, weighed in at 1.3 lbs overweight. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who said due to the very humid day there was excess sweat on the saddle pad. Evidence was also heard from Ms. A. O'Keeffe who confirmed the pad the rider was carrying had been soaked with sweat. Having considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards noted the riders explanation. Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
