Dun Na Sead sparkles at Headquarters

Dun Na Sead built on the promise of a runner-up finish in a Dundalk barrier trial to blitz her rivals in the opening five furlong juvenile maiden at the Curragh.

The Starspangledbanner filly was last to load into the stalls and then broke swiftly to grab the lead.

She was still blazing away a furlong and a half out as the pursuing Neo Soul and Mehman came under the whip.

Declan McDonogh didn't have to get serious with her and as he pushed her out to score by a comfortable length and three quarters at 15/2.

Neo Soul (3/1) picked up a runner-up reward and was half a length clear of Eternal Gold at 10/1. My Eyes Adore You the 13/8 favourite, didn't feature in seventh.

Trainer Kieran Cotter said: “She is definitely the fastest two-year-old we have ever had. She always seemed a bit special and is very quick.

“Everyone has been very patient with her as she had a touch of sore shins and went out to grass.

“She did very well in a barrier trial and is a half-sister to a good tough horse of ours Lord Dudley.

“From flagfall she is gone and a lot of these horses can’t maintain it to the line but she can.

“We joked a few weeks ago with Liam Clarke, who runs the Kildare Racing Club, that we had half an eye on the Breeders Cup!

“We think she’s black-type but we’re under no pressure now and we’ll sit back and see where we go.”

The Kildare Racing Club also own Irish St Leger winner Sonnyboyliston.

Dun Na Sead is Irish for fort of the jewels.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee