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.

Kerry Rose, Olivia Buckley is the front runner and her odds have fallen to a paltry 6/4 in the 28 rose race. The Sydney Rose, Fiona Tuite, has also come on the market and she’s a 7/2 shot with bookmakers. Following close behind is the Dubai beauty Zena Al-Nazer at 5/1.

But the girl catching everyone’s attention in Tralee is the first Italian rose Tamara Gervasoni, 22. Her odds were slashed from 14/1 to 6/1 by the bookies over the weekend with many believing that Tamara can make history.

“That’s amazing, I did not know that I was one of the favourites. I think it’s because of the kids, they really love me. I don’t believe this, I must tell my parents,” glamorous Tamara said.

The Dublin Rose, Claire Roche, 18, was also shocked that she is one of the hot favourites to take the Rose title back to the capital.

“I’m very surprised at that. This has been a crazy summer. I’ve just completed my Leaving and now I’m here doing this, it’s great,” she said.

Boylesports bookie Donough Regan said: “Most of the bets are between 5 and 10. The biggest bet we have taken so far has been 100.”

To get away from the stress and strain of the rose garden the Dubai, Kerry and Limerick rose, Sheila English, took a walk on Derrymore beach yesterday morning.

Others were coping with the pressure differently, like Texas rose, Ashley Childers, 19, who practices the ancient Chinese art of Tai Chi.

Ashley is going to have to keep calm for many hours tonight because she is the last rose to go on stage with Marty.

“I don’t mind and I’m not too nervous about going on TV. I’ll watch all the other girls first. It will be fun,” she said.

The Texan will going don her cowboy hat and sing a Shania Twain song before the curtain falls on the festival.