Stamullen, Slovakia and Sligo - no bother for Siobhan

Ashbourne apprentice Siobhan Rutledge had a hectic day or two earlier this week with Stamullen, Slovakia and Sligo all on the radar.

Sunday last brought her to Slovakia returning om MOnday evening with work at the Stamullen stables of John McConnell on Tuesday morning followed by a trip to Sligo that evening.

She took it all in her stride and enjoys working at Rockview Stables.

She was on duty last Saturday morning busy platting the mane of a horse before going out on the gallops at the HRI-promoted open day.

Her twin brother Ger also rides out in the mornings and, according to Siobhan, takes all the advice she offers.

Siobhan had a hectic weekend as she was selected by RACE for a trip to Slovakia on Sunday to compete in a race at a track near Bratislava.

“I was lucky to get selected for the trip and Stephanie McGlynn from RACE travelled with me on Sunday morning,” she told the Meath Chronicle.

““There were 10 runners in the race that was over a distance of 2,000 metres (about a mile and quarter) with apprentices from Hungary and Slovakia.

“It was a tight flat track and there was a huge crowd there, it was a mixed card with flat and jump racing and a big crowd turned up, it appeared to be a family day out.

“Unfortunately I didn’t feature in the finish as my horse wasn’t one of the best in the race, but it was really a great experience and it would make you appreciate the standard of racing here in Ireland.

“I got back on Monday evening and was back at work on Tuesday morning with a trip to Sligo for the last race on the card there on Tuesday evening," she concluded.