Queen Blossom and Fran Berry come home in front of Devonshire© Photo Healy Racing
Things looked to be going to plan for favourite Devonshire for most of the Group 3 Lodge Park Stud European Breeders Fund Park Express Stakes but she was caught and beaten by 16/1 chance Queen Blossom
Fran Berry rode the successful daughter of Jeremy for owner Sean Greaney and trainer Patrick Prendergast, and he brought her through from the back of the field in the final two furlongs.
The sweet-travelling Devonshire had taken over at that stage under William Buick, but she couldn't resist the strong finishing Queen Blossom who got up in the closing stages for a one length win.
They left Joailliere three lengths back in third.
"She's very honest. She grew a lot over the winter and we have her in the Irish Oaks," revealed Prendergast.
"We said we'd take a chance today although a mile would be too short as it would be a hard mile in that ground and she stays very well.
"I said to Fran it might be a bit sharp and I'd be happy with third and get black-type.
"I thought I was going to be very happy with second but she's so honest and stays so well.
"She has been working very well this spring. She needs to go further and I'll probably never run her over a mile again.
"It was the first day of the year and I knew the ground would be hard work as I had walked it this morning and the day before.
"I didn't see her winning but thought she'd run very well. Winning is a real bonus. Fran said she is still green.
"She's very very light on her feet and once she goes up in trip I don't think the ground will matter so much but she is by Jeremy so I won't be sorry to see any rain.
"She's very tall and needs a good galloping track. Last year she was nearly too hard on herself as any time she worked she tried to beat the horse in front.
"We wanted to make sure she was justified being in the Irish Oaks. We'll keep paying the money now!"
(GC & EM)
