Rose blooms on handicap debut Sweetest Rose made every post a winning one in the Peadar Kearney's Pub Handicap. Successful on her seventh start at Listowel in June, the Ger Lyons-trained bay since finished down the field when tried in Listed company in the Yeomanstown Stud Stakes at Naas. Making her handicap debut this evening, the daughter of Dark Angel was sent off an 8/1 chance (5s early) under Colin Keane. Two-lengths clear from halfway, the Annette O'Callaghan-owned victor had all her rivals off the bridle from the two-furlong pole and while her advantage was reduced all the way to the line, she held on well to prevail by a neck. The Jessica Harrington-trained One Boss (6/1) finished strongly but had to settle for second under Shane Foley, while Mere Accountant (11/2 from 16s early) was just half-a-length away in third. Returned the 9/2 favourite (from 11s early), Fleetfootsoldier was a never nearer fourth. "We're delighted to get another win for Annette O'Callaghan," said assistant trainer Shane Lyons. "The secret with her is to go around bends and good ground. She just barely gets that seven and ground is the key. "If we got good ground in Listowel that would be another ideal track for her, as she won there before. "The owners would love to get black-type so we'll do our best for them." Closely-related to a whole host of winners, Sweetest Rose is a sister to classy 15-time victor Sovereign Debt, who was twice successful in Group 2 company. STEWARDS REPORT * The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Gosford, trained by Edward Lynam, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. Additional reporting by Gary Carson
