Spangled Sands sparkles at the Curragh to get off the mark

Spangled Sands made it third time lucky at the Curragh to land the Fitzpatricks Mercedes-Benz Irish EBF Maiden in commanding fashion.

Joseph O’Brien’s youngster bumped into his father Aidan O’Brien’s Derby hope Constitution River on debut and also filled the second spot at Gowran earlier this month.

However, it was the son of Starspangledbanner’s turn to strike gold as the 5-4 second favourite put his experience to good use to register a taking four-and-a-half-length success in the hands of Dylan Browne McMonagle.

“He was impressive,” said O’Brien. “He ran well in what I’d say was a good maiden in Gowran last time and has been acquired by new owners (Chris So Chun Hung) to the yard. I’m delighted that they are willing to give him a chance to race in Ireland for a little while.

“Looking at that performance he might be around for a little bit longer. He looks a stakes horse in the making and if he was to run again the Killavullan would be an obvious race, but we’ll see how he is and discuss it with the ownership group.”

Also opening his account was Donnacha O’Brien’s South Island who was sent off 7-2 for the Tote 20K Euros Guaranteed Placepot Today Irish EBF Maiden and came home a length and three-quarters ahead of the 10-11 favourite Cape Cod.

O’Brien said: “He’s always worked like a very nice horse and I’ve been disappointed with him once or twice.

“I don’t think he needs that far but I thought he’d be able to dictate against less experienced rivals over that track and trip.

“They went slow, and it turned into a bit of a dash. What his trip will be next year I’m not sure but he’s a fine, big, strong horse and what Al Riffa has done over a mile and six would make you think he should stay pretty well next year.

“He looks like a nice horse going forward.”