Rose blooms after slow start

ROSE Bonheur arrived fast and late to thwart the flattering Katla in the listed Belgrave Stakes at Fairyhouse yesterday.

Declan McDonogh, in treble form at Tipperary on Saturday, had to bide his time on the Kevin Prendergast trained Danehill Dancer filly after missing the break. But he produced the 11/4 favourite with a perfectly-timed challenge to lead close home and triumph by a half-length from Katla with Rock Jock a similar distance away third.

The winning trainer was not present but McDonogh enthused: “She’s a lovely filly but, for some reason, she missed the kick today. She got a bit bustled about and I had to be patient. They went fast and, luckily, the splits came at the right time. She picked up well when she saw daylight and I always felt she’d get there.”