Espouse strong at the finish in Naas Jessica Harrington's Espouse, in the first-time hood, ran on strongly to get up close home in the fillies' maiden that got Naas' card under way. Blazing Star made a bold bid from the front in this mile contest and was ridden to go for home a furlong and a half out. She couldn't shake off Frill in second approaching the final furlong, though, as Espouse was switched out from third on the rail. Frill collared Blazing Star in the final 150 yards but Espouse had really started to motor home. She put in a power-packed finish for Tom Madden to deprive Frill in the shadows of the post. The 28/1 winner obliged by three parts of a length from the 5/1 runner-up. Boyne River (9/2 from 17/2) was three and a quarter lengths back in third. Madden said: “She was good over that trip and with the hood she gave me a great ride. She was very professional and finished out the race well. “Hopefully she is something to look forward to over a mile or a mile and a quarter. “She was nearly a bit too relaxed with the hood on. It definitely helps her and the last furlong was her strongest part of the race.” Additional reporting by Alan Magee
