Ballydoyle juvenile wins on Dundalk debut

Ballydoyle's Blackbeard (15/8) made a winning debut at Dundalk today, landing the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden under visiting jockey Ryan Moore.

By No Nay Never and out of a daughter of Born To Sea, Blackbeard was green for parts of the five furlongs race but eventually ran off with the prize, beating 6/4f Alexis Zorba by a length and a half.

Chris Armstrong, representing trainer Aidan O'Brien, reported "Aidan said he is a fast horse and he has shown plenty at home. Hopefully he'll end up in Ascot and he'll probably go to the Marble Hill on the way.

"Ryan gave him a lovely ride and he quickened away nicely in the finish.

"He'll either be five or six (furlongs) but he has shown plenty of speed at home. His homework has been good and hopefully he will progress."

UK-based Moore ticked off a first win at Gowran yesterday and was today partnering a fifth Dundalk winner.

Quotes from Michael Graham