A forceful Joseph O'Brien drive on League Of Nations (at least 4/5 this morning into 1/2) wasn't enough in the Louth Land Of Legends Gathering 3rd May Maiden at Dundalk as the very experienced Caged Lightning deservedly got off the mark.

League Of Nations tried to make all but Caged Lightning joined him from two down and after a great tussle the latter was a head up at the line.

Hayes said of the Lesley Prendergast-owned, three-year-old, trained by her husband Kevin: "He's very straight-forward. He was a bit unlucky a few times last year – getting badly hampered on one of his runs.

"He's been freshened up over the winter and he'll improve when he goes back on grass.

"Hopefully that gives the owner a bit of a boost." (AM & EM)