Moonlight takes Curragh glory

Moonlight Dance made all the running to take the Group Three Ladbrokes.ie International Stakes at the Curragh today.

The Sinndar filly had only won handicaps on her two previous starts but she proved up to the task set by trainer Dermot Weld.

Given an enterprising ride by Pat Smullen, the 12-1 chance gamely held the late surge of Lock And Key by a head with favourite Democratic Deficit a close third.

Moonlight Dance is a half-sister to last year's Irish Derby winner Grey Swallow and this could well have been her last race as she is in foal to High Chaparral.

“That was the plan,” said Weld. “She got a very good, positive ride from Pat Smullen and she loves the fast ground.

“That may be her swansong but if she does run again it will be in the Desmond Stakes at Leopardstown.”