Jockey Seamie Heffernan
Jockey Seamie Heffernan

Seamus Heffernan shines for Aidan O'Brien in Naas double


Seamus Heffernan executed two perfectly-judged rides to give Aidan O'Brien a Listed race double at Naas on Sunday.

The rider employed front-running tactics with Sarrocchi in the Rathasker Clodovil Irish EBF Garnet Stakes and she was well clear with two furlongs to run, although Damselfly closed to within three-quarters of a length at the line.

"That was great and Seamus gave her great ride," said O'Brien.

"She had some very good runs. She had a break and this was her first run back.

"She's very genuine. She kept going and kept trying. It's great for a filly to win a stakes race like that.

"It's good to get it and I think she'll be off to stud now. We'll give some of the others a chance."

Curly is also set to head for the paddocks after Heffernan again made every yard on her in the Rathasker Bungle Inthejungle EBF Bluebell Stakes.

O'Brien added of the 5/1 winner: "We're delighted. She had some good runs and Seamus gave her a great ride.

"She's a Galileo and she just kept going. I'm delighted she's won a stakes race, she deserved it. She had some good runs in Group races.

"She's entitled to win a Listed race off her rating.

"She'll go to stud now."

O'Brien began the day by saddling the first three home in the Tifrums Irish EBF (C&G) Maiden as San Andreas (11/10 favourite) just got going in time to beat Ferretti and The Corporal.

"He's a hardy horse and he's going to take another run or two before he comes together," said O'Brien.

Patrick Prendergast and Ronan Whelan landed another valuable prize when Cedars Of Lenanon was another to make all in the Foran Equine Irish EBF Auction Race Final.

The pair have made hay with the top class filly Skitter Scatter this season.

"She's lasted the year very well because she's so lazy at home," said Prendergast.

"We don't work her in those visors, she only ever wears them on the track and she needs them because she's so laid back.

"What I'd really like to do is to get her black-type and, on today's performance, I think she's well capable of it on the right day.

"I'm conscious of the fact that she's been very busy all year and maybe if we can get black-type as a three-year-old that will do."

Chicago May (11/2) made nearly all the running to give Ger Lyons and Colin Keane back-to-back wins in the Matchbook Irish EBF Birdcatcher Premier Nursery and land Ben Linfoot's nap in the process.

On grabbing the far rail, Chicago May held enough in reserve to see off Dandys Ocean with Recon Mission in third.

"She's not easy, she's very difficult at home," said Lyons.

"Colin rides her most days and it's nothing more than he deserves for having the hardship of riding her at home.

"She'll go home now and hopefully she'll strengthen up to be a black-type filly. If she's not a black-type filly here we have the option of sending her to America."

The Rathasker Stud Irish EBF Fillies Maiden went to Joseph O'Brien with Rainbow Moonstone (16/1) under promising apprentice Shane Crosse.

"We thought she'd run very well in Gowran last week, but she didn't stay," said the trainer.

"It was a mile on heavy ground, she travelled really well but just walked the last furlong. We dropped her back to six today and she's won. We didn't think she'd win but we thought she'd run well.

"I'm delighted to have my first winner for Mrs Nagle.

"I'd imagine we'll go on the hunt for black-type next year."

Joseph and Donnacha O'Brien then teamed up with Downdraft (5/1) in the Matchbook Time to Move Over Handicap.

Related horse racing links

Like what you've read?

Next Off

Sporting Life
My Stable
Follow and track your favourite Horses, Jockeys and Trainers. Never miss a race with automated alerts.
Access to exclusive features all for FREE - No monthly subscription fee
Click HERE for more information

Most Followed

MOST READ RACING

We are committed to Safer Gambling and have a number of self-help tools to help you manage your gambling. We also work with a number of independent charitable organisations who can offer help and answers any questions you may have.
Gamble Aware LogoGamble Helpline LogoGamstop LogoGordon Moody LogoSafer Gambling Standard LogoGamban Logo18+ LogoTake Time To Think Logo