Heathfield records first win over hurdles

The Tony Martin trained Heathfield ran out a comfortable winner of the Navan Members Handicap Hurdle, scoring under Mark Walsh in the colours of JP McManus.

Better know for his exploits over fences, the nine-year-old son of Definite Article was recording his first win over flights today.

He won valuable contests over fences at Navan and Punchestown last season and finished ninth in competitive races at Leopardstown on his last two starts.

He was as short as 4/1 last night but he proved easy to back today and opened on-course at 9's before going off an 8/1 chance.

Settled towards rear he took closer order approaching the straight and travelled strongly in third after three out.

He came with his challenge on the approach to the last and he was pushed to the front after that flight, staying on well to score by five lengths. Dramatic Event finished second under Brian O'Connell for Jim Culloty at 20/1, while Seskinane (8/1) was three parts of a length of a length back in third under Gary Noonan for Brian McMahon.

He's Our Vinnie was sent off the well-backed 11/4 favourite (from 4's on-course) and he disappointingly pulled up, fading tamely from the third last.

Tony Martin said afterwards: "He won a few nice races at the end of last season but has taken a while to come this year.

"He's a lot lower over hurdles than he is over fences. There are plenty of choices at Punchestown for him in staying races."

STEWARDS REPORTS

D.E. Splaine, rider of Hes Our Vinnie trained by Terence O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung and jumped right.

L.P. Dempsey, rider of Candle Island trained by Michael McCullagh, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount stopped quickly.

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Hes Our Vinnie, trained by Terence O'Brien, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be Post Race Normal.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee