Co Tyrone trainer Andrew Oliver secured his first Group success when Flowers Of Spring at 11/2 took the Group 3 featured Denny Cordell Lavarack & Lanwades Stud Fillies Stakes at Gowran Park.
Chris Hayes did the steering on the four-year-old who was blinkered for the first time. The northern handler picked up a pot of 45,500 euro for owner Peter Jones.
She was heavily backed on course from 10/1 to her SP of 11/2 to win the extended one mile one furlong contest.
Hayes sent her on over a furlong out and the duo forged clear until Dermot Weld’s Zaminast (13/2) eyecatchingly motored home late on under Pat Smullen to close to within three-parts-of-a-length at the winning post. Hurricane Havoc for Jim Bolger and Kevin Manning at 14/1 won the race for third place, two lengths further back.
“We were delighted with that and we always held her in the highest regard. She’s versatile ground-wise and Chris gave her a great ride," Andrew Oliver said.
“We put blinkers on her to sharpen her up. She has great heart. I’m not sure where we will go next but she has overseas options but would have to be supplemented.
“The owner and I will sit down and discuss it. Huge credit goes to her owner Peter Jones who also bred her as well. That's my first Group race win.” Look At Me the 9/4 favourite for Ballydoyle, finished fourth.
Michael Graham
