THERE were some notable performances at Sunday’s New Year’s Day Lisgoold fixture, staged under the auspices of the United Hunt at Ballindenisk, and the Gearóid O’Loughlin-owned and trained Native Speaker impressed by making a triumphant career debut in the truly run five-year-old geldings’ maiden.

The opening leg of a double for Barry O’Neill, Native Speaker (5/2 – 9/4 favourite) was quickly positioned at the head of affairs and he jumped soundly throughout.