Roses blossom into punter favourites

THE roses were under starter’s orders in Tralee last night after a flurry of gambling saw a number of rank outsiders blossom into favourites.

The UK Rose, Nicola Norris, was the first on stage and the 22-year-old banker delivered a flawless performance when interviewed by Marty Whelan in front of a crowd of 1,500 in the Dome.

But the real money business is taking place far from the madding crowd with thousands being gambled on the six favourites.