Lightening Stricks got things underway in great style at Dundalk this afternoon when an impressive winner of the opening mile maiden.
Fran Berry 's mount cruised into the lead a furlong-and-a-half from home and soon quickened up nicely to settle matters.
The Dick Brabazon-trained 2/1 favourite kept on strongly in the final furlong to post a seven-length verdict over Hyden
"It's great to get it right in the end. I was probably running him over the wrong distances early on as he has a lot of toe," said Brabazon.
"He's a half-brother to Debussyso is bred to be able to run a bit. He's a horse that goes on fast ground so hopefully will be ok after that.
"We'll see if Lightening can strike in two places and come back again. There is a rated race for him next Wednesday and I'll try and freshen him up.
"He had a few little problems in the spring and that's why he was running in the autumn. He have him fairly right now.
"I was a tiny bit disappointed with his run last time but when I got home I realised they had broke the track record and it was in fact a hell of a run.
"He was a tiny bit fresh today. Because of the snow he missed his last blow out but it did him no harm.
"He's only getting warmed up now and hopefully he'll be a nice horse for next year."
