Ciara rocks on in Killarney

The 5/2 favourite Rock On Ciara in the colours of Miss Ciara McGee ran out a cosy winner of the Killarney Vintners Handicap winning by three and a half lengths from Aragorn Icon in second.

The Rock of Gibraltar 5yo mare was unlucky in running at Cork last Friday, encountering traffic problems before finishing fourth behind Pimlico Sound.

However she got a smooth run today, racing behind the leaders and going to the front without being asked a question a furlong out. When given a few slaps of the whip by Emmet McNamara she quickened away smartly to win comfortably at the finish.

The winning trainer Joseph Murphy said afterwards: "She was unlucky the last day at Cork, as she didn't get a clear run.

"Chris Hayes was unlucky not to have ridden her here, as she was No 20 on the ballot and I didn’t think she'd get in. Emmet (McNamara) was the first on the phone when she did. Opportunity knocks I suppose.

"She is improving and will go for another handicap next."

Donal Murphy