Babouche impresses in winning debut at Cork

The Ger Lyons trained Babouche made an impressive winning debut when staying on strongly to easily land the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden at Cork.

A full-sister to the stables Group 2 winner Zarinsk, the Juddmonte owned daughter of Kodiac had clearly been showing plenty at home, given she holds entries in some of the big juvenile races later in the season.

Smartly into stride under Colin Keane, the 5/6f led a small group on the far side, as the majority of the runners came stands side.

At the halfway point, Keane had stretched clear of his own group but No Straight Swaps and Marys Not Contrary appeared to be very much in contention on the near side.

However, over two furlongs out, Babouche opened up down the centre of the track, quickly sprinting clear to score by five lengths.

Assistant Trainer Shane Lyons said: "She is a nice filly, is obviously well related and had been doing everything nicely at home. She has had to do it the hard way which wasn't fair on her but in fairness, she did it with her ears pricked. Colin was brilliant on her as he didn't take any chances.

"We'll see how she comes on - she'll tell us, and she is in the Balanchine (Airlie Stud) Stakes in two weeks time. We'll speak to Barry (Mahon, racing manager) and the family and will fill them in on how she is.

"It was her first time ever seeing grass, we like her, she'll come on immensely and we'll let her do the talking."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes.