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Flower blossoms for Hayes

Flowers Of Spring sprang a 33/1 shock when claiming the Meath Handicap for northern handler Andrew Oliver.

Chris Hayes sent his mount to the lead under two furlongs from home and she soon had matters in hand.

She bounded clear and could afford to ease down close home to record an eight-length verdict over Boxer Beat

"She has always showed plenty of ability but is a filly we had to take our time with as she's a big staying filly. We've been patient all year," said Oliver.

"She had a great run first time at the Curragh but then disappointed at Galway and was very disappointing on her last run at the Curragh.

"She didn't pick up the bit at all and was dis-interested. We couldn't find a reason.

"We came here today and put cheekpieces on and decided to give her a positive ride.

"It was the same thing as she didn't pick up the bit but Chris gave her an excellent ride and kept her interested.

"She displayed the ability she has today. She'll stay further and there are a couple of options left for her but not many."

1st
33/1
Tote €144.60 €18.60
2nd
8L
16/1
€8.10
3rd
2L
10/1
€2.30
4th
2.5L
10/1
€3.00
bf
1.75L
11/2Fav