Lightnening makes mark in opener

Lightening Stricks got things underway in great style at Dundalk this afternoon when an impressive winner of the opening mile maiden.

Fran Berry 's mount cruised into the lead a furlong-and-a-half from home and soon quickened up nicely to settle matters.

The Dick Brabazon-trained 2/1 favourite kept on strongly in the final furlong to post a seven-length verdict over Hyden

"It's great to get it right in the end. I was probably running him over the wrong distances early on as he has a lot of toe," said Brabazon.

"He's a half-brother to Debussyso is bred to be able to run a bit. He's a horse that goes on fast ground so hopefully will be ok after that.

"We'll see if Lightening can strike in two places and come back again. There is a rated race for him next Wednesday and I'll try and freshen him up.

"He had a few little problems in the spring and that's why he was running in the autumn. He have him fairly right now.

"I was a tiny bit disappointed with his run last time but when I got home I realised they had broke the track record and it was in fact a hell of a run.

"He was a tiny bit fresh today. Because of the snow he missed his last blow out but it did him no harm.

"He's only getting warmed up now and hopefully he'll be a nice horse for next year."