Spruce Meadows and Halpin team up well

Spruce Meadows brought up plenty of bets when finishing strongly to land the seven furlong handicap at Galway.

John Feane 's charge was partnered by Gary Halpin who had him settled on the rail just behind the leaders with half a mile to travel.

Spruce Meadows was driven into second at the two pole as Flowerhill Nova tried to make the best way home.

Halpin switched Spruce Meadows out from the rail as the horses straightened up. Spruce Meadows was ridden to overtake Flowerhill Nova inside the final furlong and he powered away to win by two and a quarter lengths at 5/1. He traded at 9/1 this morning.

Flowerhill Nova (8/1) kept on for second under Declan McDonogh. The each-way money was landed on Flying Fairies who was three lengths back in third at 9/2. He had been backed from 10/1 to 11/2 this morning.

John Feane said: "We are going well. It was great to have a winner in Galway, its our first winner as we only had a couple of runners here last year. Gary gave him a great ride. It didn't go to plan early but Gary used his head and he's great value for his 3lbs. I better not praise him too much!

"He won well. In fairness to him he is quite consistent since we got him. He was a bit unlucky the last day, he ran well in Naas and we said we would put him away for the owners as they wanted to have a runner in Galway. He has won so it's a bonus."

Gary Halpin added: "I have to say thanks to John and the owners for putting me back on him. Things didn't go to plan the last day. He got beaten and it was probably my fault. He didn't get beaten today and that was the main thing.

"They went quick early on and when I met the rising ground turning up the hill I knew I would come out on top. He stays well and the track brought out the best in him.

"The track has been good to me the last couple of years. I've had three winners - I won the Topaz here with Vastonea two years ago and I got ride of the month here last year on Beau Satchel."

Heartful, the 7/2 favourite, finished eased down in last of the 15 runners. The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined her at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be showing signs of coming into season post race.

Pat Smullen, rider of Heartful, trained by Dermot Weld, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount never travelled throughout this race.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes