Birdcage finishes season on a high

Birdcage signed off for the season with victory in the opening nursery at Dundalk.

The Ger Lyons-trained filly was sent off 10/11 favourite for the five-furlong contest and got the job done under Colin Keane.

The Qatar Racing-owned filly claimed front-runner China Eyes over a furlong from home and kept on well in the closing stages to record a length success. Love Is All Around stayed on to take the runner-up spot.

The winner was recording her second win of the year, having also landed her maiden on the all-weather back in May.

"From what we've seen at home we thought she would do that today," said Lyons.

"It was a lot of weight for a light filly. That's her done for the year and she'll be off to the horses-in-training sales.

"I think we've done well to win twice with her this year as she'll be a better three-year-old. She's weak and on the leg.

"Qatar have a lot of horses this year so they are culling some and she's one for that. She's done her job for Ger Lyons and I'm happy with her."