Bay bags big prize on return

Moonlight Bay winner of this year's first two-year-old race, made a late season return to grab a nice prize in the Birdcatcher at Naas today.

The Pivotal filly scored over five furlongs at the track in March and was subsequently fourth behind Alpha Centauri in Listed company here in May.

She hadn't been seen in the interim but was bought out of Kevin Prendergast's yard at the Champions Sale at Leopardstown for €55,000.

Making her first start for Ger Lyons, and Clipper Logistics, the 9/2 shot was held up in the early stages of the six-furlong contest.

Colin Keane 's mount chased down Damselfly inside the final furlong. Guessthebill finished well to press the winner but could only get within a neck at the line.

Kean moved six clear in the title race thanks to the victory.

“That's a nice bonus. Joe Foley and Steve Parkin bought her at the Champions Sale and she is a nice addition to the team,” said Lyons.

“In fairness to Kevin he told me all about her and told me that she loves soft ground, was very genuine and very honest.

“All we had to do was bring her home, let her settle in and make sure she was eating and sleeping.

“I knew as much about her as you did coming here today. We were going to learn about her today on the track.

“There is a listed race coming up in a couple of week. My plan was that this would be it and then put her away as I think she's on the leg and I think there is a lot of growing in her.

“The aim when she was bought was to get black-type. Whether it's this year I don't know, we might let her grow up and let it be next year.

“That's a super bonus and I'm delighted.”