After Dinard Rose had landed a hefty punt in the finale at Down Royal it was no surprise to hear winning trainer Noel Meade say: "this was the plan for quite some time. We felt the trip would suit her well as she stays."

This featured Ladbrokes Ulster Cesarewitch Handicap is the longest Flat race in the country and Dinard Rose relished it to justify the faith of those that backed her from 5/1 into 11/4 favouritism.

Successful owner Mrs T Walsh is better known to the racing public as Nina Carberry, former crack amateur rider.

Herself and her husband Ted and family were undoubtedly well pleased to see the Champs Elysees filly show her staying power to resist Linger by four lengths.

Andrew Slattery did the steering on the progressive type, three times a winner this summer.

"She has a very good pedigree, Nina (Carberry) bought her to sell and she didn't grow," explained Meade.

"I'd imagine if she gets into the Cesarewitch she'll probably run in it and if the ground was soft it would be a help because it slows the others down and she does go through it.

"In Galway it was only a mile and six and they went too slow. It was only when I got back and Nina's Ted rang me and said she was still running and he didn't pull her up for three furlongs after the line.

"She just has one gear and the slow ground slows them up a little bit.

"She jumps well and I could well see her jumping, I'd say she will have her chance at that as well. The fact she goes on soft ground she will be ideal for it.

"He's a great kid (Andrew Slattery) and you are buying 5lb having him."

S. Foley, rider of Conron trained by Mrs John Harrington, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never picked up.

(MG & EM)