'I was sad to leave but happy to be back here as well' - Siobhan Rutledge returns from Australia with a bang

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Siobhan Rutledge returned home with a bang after spending a year in Australia as she steered Stone Bear to victory in the 6f handicap on only her second ride back in Ireland. 

Rutledge was based with Chris and Corey Munce in Queensland for all of 2025, but she did not waste any time adapting to life back in Ireland. Always in the right place at the right time on 13-2 shot Stone Bear, the outcome was never in doubt all the way up the home straight as the Ross O'Sullivan-trained three-year-old scored by a length and three-quarters. 

"I was delighted to be down for a few rides," said Rutledge, speaking to Racing TV. "It worked out well as it was a good opportunity for me to let everyone know I'm home." 

She added: "I went over with a view to stay for three months and ended up staying for over a year. I had a great time and it was a great experience. What a great family the Munces are and it was such a professionally run yard. They looked after me so well and gave me plenty of opportunities. I was sad to leave them, but happy to be back here as well."

On the biggest difference between Queensland and Ireland, Rutledge said: "It's all time-based over there – they time all their gallops. It's all speed and speedy pedigrees. In Queensland all the tracks are right-handed, as well."

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