Rose justifies odds-on favouritism

Screaming Rose justified odds-on favouritism in the John Buckley Auctioneers Mares Maiden Hurdle, scoring under Ruby Walsh for Willie Mullins.

The five-year-old daughter of Darsi won on her debut at Galway last September, following-up on her next start in a winners contest at Cork.

She was last seen finishing fourth in a Listed race at Huntingdon in December, and making her debut over flights this evening she was sent off the 4/7 favourite.

Stepping up in trip to two and a half miles for the first time, she raced prominently in the main group of runners, as Pops Choice held a clear lead.

That advantage disappeared from five out, and Screaming Rose came through to gain a narrow lead three out.

She was pressed by D'Pinesflyer from there, and needed to be ridden out on the run-in to see off that rival by two lengths.

The runner-up was returned at 7/1 under Ryan Treacy for Patrick Neville, while Emily Anna (7/1) was a further four and three parts of a length back in third under Mark Bolger for Dermot O'Brien.

Ruby Walsh said afterwards: "She was green but is a quality mare. First-time (over hurdles) is first-time and the gallop they go around here it usually helps to have a run under your belt but she got better as she went on."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes