By Peter Moore 10th August 2023

Irish jockey Rossa Ryan stole all the headlines on a glorious Thursday evening at Sandown Park with a 126-1 treble.

Rossa rode Government, Defence Of Fort and Tough Enough to victory on an evening that saw another nights excellent racing.

The opener on the cards was a race for amateur jockeys over a mile and a quarter. New Dayrell ridden by Michael Coles drew clear after six furlongs before slowing down and finding another gear to pull clear a mile out.

Coles was celebrating his first victory as a jockey and on this evidence he looks to have a bright future.

Ryan bagged his first winner on the night in the second race of the evening, a 2 year-old maiden race with the Irishman just getting the better of Two Tribes by a neck.

Another race for maiden two year olds followed with David Eagan riding the 17-2 shot Defiance to victory.

The colt who is a half sister to a very smart horse Magic Artist, managed to get up to hold off the Andrew Balding trained Cavier Heights by the narrowest  of margins.

The fourth race on the card a three year old handicap race went to Defence of Fort with Rossa on board.

The Irishman had to work hard on the horse to get the better of Muktamil, who was hesitant to enter the stalls at the start of the race.

Under jockey Jason Watson, the gelding was switched right and pressed the leaders inside the final furlong before losing out to Defence Of Fort by a neck.

Rossa picked up his third winner on the night when partnering the three year old Tough Enough.

The consistent colt warranted favouritism at 85-40 to edge out Street Kid ridden by Benoit de la Sayette who reported afterwards the horse hung right handed.

The final race on the card was a mile handicap for four year olds and upwards.De la Sayette had better luck by getting the Kevin Philippart de Foy trained D Day Odette who dwelt at the start and was hampered six furlongs out before being ridden along a furlong out to  keep on well to get over the line.

After the racing had finished it was time for the punters to enjoy a late evening boogie with Toby Anstis on the decks to wrap up yet another successful evening at Sandown Park.