Romance impresses in Roscommon opener Newcomer Modern Romance took the opening contest on the card at Roscommon this evening, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Fillies Maiden over seven furlongs, for her trainer Dermot Weld with Pat Smullen aboard. Racing in the colours of Christopher McHale, the daughter of Muhtahir challenged the leader Balrath Hope from over a furlong out. She then battled passed that one inside the final furlong before drawing clear to score by two lengths at the line. The winner was impressive and showed a level of professionalism not generally associated with horses making their debut. The aforementioned Balrath Hope plugged on to finish second for her trainer Gavin Cromwell at 7/2, while La Olivia for Paul Flynn and Declan McDonogh were a further two lengths back in third at 11/2. Regal Tie the other 3/1 joint favourite for Arthur Moore and Fran Berry ran off the turn out of the back straight and lost all chance in doing so, finishing a disappointing sixth at the finish. After the race she was in fact found to be lame post race. Donal Murphy
