Katie takes big step forward to land opener

Miss Katie Mae showed the benefit of her debut run at Naas last month when taking the opening Killashee EBF Fillies' Maiden at the Curragh.

The daughter of Dark Angel led two furlongs out, and kept on well under Colin Keane to justify odds of 5/1.

The Ger Lyons-trained filly had a length and three quarters to spare over Spinamiss at the line, with Vitello a further half-length away in third.

The 5/6 favourite Ballydoyle was a bit slowly into stride, and kept on inside the final furlong to finish fourth.

Lyons said, ""She's a lovely green filly. We've always thought a lot of her and she was very green in Naas.

"That's what we do with our horses, get them out and then they improve for the run. We knew she'd be better over six furlongs and on better ground.

"Colin said she got there to win her race and was as green as grass. We'll watch her temperament and won't ask any stupid questions of her.

"The owners are new owners from America and are important clients. Fingers crossed she could be a special filly for them in races later on.

"There will be no talk of Royal Ascot. She's a long-term project."

Keane said, "She was very green the first day, and it helped today having the run under her belt. She quickened away well but was still green in front. She's a filly we have always thought a lot of at home."

(GC & AM)