Flynn and Smithers successfully team up with Duke Otto Pat Flynn has enjoyed a good run with his Flat string at Dundalk in recent weeks and added to that success over jumps as Duke Otto took division one of the Two-Mile Borris Handicap Hurdle at Thurles. Max Meridius looked set to justify 2/1 favouritism before a slow jump at the last and he didn’t find much under pressure on the run-in. Duke Otto took advantage under Conor Smithers to beat Liceo by a head with Max Meridius having to settle for third and I Feel Fine completing the places in fourth. Smithers said of the 18/1 winner: “He was great. We went out with one plan, and it was kind of to ride him the way he won here before. Jump out nice and quiet and just let him find his feet. “The first-time blinkers today were a huge help. He travelled everywhere. He got in tight to nearly every jump, but he was so quick at them. “His best work is always late on; he loves passing horses. Thankfully, he stuck the head down and ground it out well.” Quotes by John O'Riordan
