Flanagan delighted as Rose blossoms

Dinard Rose asserted on the run-in to claim the Ballagh Mares Handicap Hurdle at Thurles in good style.

Sean Flanagan produced the 9/2 shot to lead before the final flight in the two-and-a-half mile contest and she jumped the last big and bold to seal matters.

The Noel Meade-trained filly stayed on powerfully in the closing stages to post a 5-length victory over Stucker Hill

The daughter of Champs Elysees is owned by Mrs Ted Walsh (aka Nina Carberry) and Flanagan said afterwards:-

“Tere was a lot of pressure there as that's my first winner for Nina! I'm delighted.

"She has shown plenty promise all along, she jumped a bit careful early on today but the crucial thing for her was the step up in trip.

“She stays very very well and I rode her the last day over two (miles) and she was flat-out the whole way but stays going.

"They didn't go mad quick early and if they had gone quicker, it would have suited me better; she has done it well considering."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)