Well-backed Rock defies top-weight

He may have been burdened with top-weight but that didn't deter supporters of Rock County (at least 7s this morning into 9/2) for the Saltan Properties Handicap Hurdle. He duly obliged by a fairly convincing three lengths.

The lightly-raced son of Subtle Power had caught the eye in a Leopardstown maiden hurdle at Christmas and in his first handicap start (pecked at the last when in with a chance at Punchestown). Here he travelled supremely well, took it up under Mick Darcy away from three out and once shaken up from the last he went on to defeat favourite, Something Grand

Margaret Harty, mother of the winning trainer, Sabrina, said: "The track didn't suit him according to the jockey and he probably would need a more galloping track. We thought the ground was a bit too soft in Clonmel the last day. He has just taken a bit of time."