Pearl swoops to claim opener

Pearl Of Africa swooped on the outer to claim the opening fillies maiden at Dundalk this evening.

Fran Berry produced the Jeremy filly with a strong charge inside the final furlong to land the spoils for trainer Eddie Lynam.

7/4 favourite Harpist had hit the front at the furlong pole but was trumped in the final 100 yards by the eventual winner.

Pearl Of Africa kept on well in the closing stages to post a half length success over the market leader while newcomer Majenta stayed on nicely in third.

The 9/2 winner (8/1 this morning) was going one better having been runner-up in a maiden over course and distance last month.

Blustery conditions meant the runners had to race into the wind in the straight and Lynam felt experience helped his charge:-

“She did it well and experience was a big help today. I'm happy with that.

“It's nice to get a winner for Sheikh Fahad (Pearl Bloodstock). We were sent her as a two-year-old and it's great to have him as an owner.”

(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)