Blood Moon produced a 25/1 shock in the opening two-year-old maiden at Dundalk tonight and trainer Ger Lyons admitted he was surprised by the result.

Lyons ran two in the five-furlong contest, both in the colours of Sean Jones, with 3/1 shot Spader the better fancied of the pair. Nice And Dandy took them along but was claimed by Gary Carroll's mount, Blood Moon, at the furlong pole.

The Equiano colt kept on gamely in the closing stages to hold 7/4 favourite Washington DC at bay by a neck.

"I didn't see that happening ahead of the other lad. The other horse wants further," said Lyons.

"The winner has plenty of speed, is hardy and had plenty done. He was very very slow for the penny to drop and was spooky at home so we gelded him.

"We knew he was hardy but thought he might spook at something tonight. Gary said he was pulling up in front and it's nice to win the race. It's good for my two-year-old brigade."