Starspangledbanner Colt Delivers Emphatic Maiden Strike

Spangled Sands (2c Starspangledbanner - French Flirt, by Peintre Celebre) got off the mark with an emphatic score at the Curragh on Sunday.

The Joseph O'Brien-trained colt had finished second on his previous two starts and put that experience to good use under Dylan Browne McMonagle for a four-and-a-half-length victory.

Positioned prominently early on in the seven-furlong maiden, the son of Starspangledbanner came to lead two furlongs out and went clear in the final furlong for an impressive win.

O'Brien said: "He was impressive. He ran well in what I'd say was a good maiden in Gowran last time. He has been acquired by new owners [Chris So Chun Hung] and I'm delighted 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."

Spangled Sands is a full-brother to the Group-placed Symbolize and was bred by Castlehyde Stud.