Heather Rocco gallops home strongly

Henry de Bromhead's Heather Rocco turned Limerick's auction maiden hurdle into a procession with a fine staying performance.

You couldn't have called him the obvious winner turning for home in this two mile five contest as no less than eight horses held chances.

He travelled strongly, however, at the head of affairs before the second last as Song Of Earth tried to challenge him.

The pair then drew clear of the remainder as they headed towards the final flight.

Heather Rocco go the better of his rival before it as he put a good four lengths on him, and moved further and further clear on the run-in.

The 9/2 chance passed the post 11 lengths to the good from the gambled-on Song Of Earth (12/1 - 11/2). Marco Rock was another seven and a half lengths away in third at 33/1.

Jockey Hugh Morgan said: "He gallops away well and I was just a bit worried early on as he was a little keen, but once he got to the front he spat it out and I was able to fill him up again.

"When they came to him again I was very impressed with the way he picked up - it felt like he had plenty left in the tank.

"He loved the ground and I was very impressed. Please God he'll keep on improving."

Heather Rocco also won a point-to-point in October.

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes