SEAMUS HEFFERNAN successfully teamed up with Aidan O'Brien for the second successive evening to take the featured Heineken Handicap with Eternal Joy as the three-day Bellewstown Festival drew to a close.
Heffernan, now on the eight-winner mark, was seen at his best aboard the Fairy King colt who proved friendless in the market, drifting from 6 to 4 to 7 to 2.equipment. He removed his waterproof trousers, and under the rules should have weighed out again. Furthermore, he weighed in 1lb light (which is within the rules).
Eternal Joy made virtually all the running but was headed by Call My Bluff inside the final furlong. However, Heffernan drew a renewed effort from his mount in the dying strides to win by a head.
Alambar proved another winner for the Coolmore Stud sire in the Sam Dennigan and Co Maiden Hurdle. The Noel Meade-trained gelding cruised home under Paul Carberry for a three and a half length win over long-time leader Dunemer.
Leading apprentice Eddie Ahern recorded winner number 17 when Hamamelis made all in the opening Blooms Hotel Maiden.
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