Aspen holds on in finale

Aspen Belle just held on in an exciting finish to the concluding seven furlong handicap at Cork this afternoon.

Leigh Roche 's mount took a keen hold behind the leaders in the early stages and was asked to quicken passing the two pole.

The Pat Martin-trained filly got the the front inside the final furlong but was all out at the post to hold 25/1 shot Laburnum Park by a short-head.

The 12/1 winner had been placed at the Curragh last season and was dropped 5lb over the winter.

"I was expecting her to be in the first six and was definitely expecting my other horse (fourth placed No Way Jack to also be in the first six,” said Martin.

"Seven furlongs is as far as she wants and she needs an ease - that's why we skipped Dundalk with her.

“She is a bit of a fuss-pot and we won't run her back quickly - I'm delighted for my father-in-law (Tom Brennan, owner) as he has plenty of the family."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)