Rose finally blooms for Harney

Killtilane Rose rallied gamely to justify good support in the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Chase at Thurles.

Bill Harney's mare had failed to score in 35 previous starts and despite some moderate efforts lately there was confidence behind her today as she was backed from 14/1 this morning into 5/1 on course.

Kevin Sexton sent her to the front at the last with a circuit to run and she skipped a few lengths clear going into the back straight.

She was headed by Akinspirit after the second last but battled back to lead at the final fence, where a good jump sealed matters for a five-and-a-half length victory.

"Her jumping put them under pressure and she deserved it," said the trainer's daughter Riona.

"She had been running on heavy ground and over 2m6f and had given up when taken on but the shorter distance and better ground helped today.

"This was about her tenth-last chance and she had been for sale but nobody wanted her!"

(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)