Firm Belief relished a test of stamina when opening her account in division two of the 1m6f Pimlico Racing Happy Retirement Zoffany Bay Handicap at Navan.

Owned and trained by Rodger Sweeney, the Make Believe mare was patiently ridden by Seamie Heffernen making eye-catching headway to lead on the outer under two furlongs out.

The five-year-old, who only made her debut earlier this year, soon asserted and galloped on strongly to beat Folly Beach by two and a half lengths.

The pair drew six and a half lengths clear of Dubai Clover in third with Breagagh completing the places in fourth.

There was no fairytale ending for Zoffany Bay after whom the race was named as the dual-purpose winner of five races, including at Tramore this summer, dropped out tamely entering the straight and was eased right down by Ben Coen to finish tailed off.

Sweeney said, "She has put her best foot forward), she did it the first night in Dundalk (fifth on debut in February) on the sand. She ran grand actually.

"Seamie gave her a good ride, he is canny at the front and is a good little rider. He is riding the best of the best! He said he enjoyed that.

"She should make a nice hurdle mare."

Quotes by Michael Graham