Heffernan doubles up on 40/1 chance Drish Hero

Unplaced in his five previous career outings, Drish Hero sprang a 40/ 1 surprise in the Virtual Ladies Day 12th July Handicap (45-70).

Seamie Heffernan got the 4-year-old gelding rolling in the first furlong and he slotted into second behind early leader Red Cymbal

Driven to the front a furlong out, Drish Venture saw it out well to score by three quarters of a length from the running-on Brother In Law (16/1), with Poet’s Pride (7/1) next best in third.

It was a double for the winning rider after scoring on Yet in the opener.

Winning trainer Donal Commins, based in Thurles, was successful twice on the polytrack during the winter with the Mehmas gelding Drish Venture and said of his latest winner: “We ran him over a mile-and-one the last day (led until 2f out at Gowran) and it was just too much, he blew up.

“He didn't break as well today but Seamie got him up there and gave him a great ride. When he hit the front he plugged on and stayed there. We're very happy with him.

“That's definitely his trip. With the way he's bred (by the Nayef horse Valirann) we thought he'd maybe get a two mile hurdle but he's too keen.

“His mother won over a mile so that's why we went for the one-mile-one race last time. He just couldn't stay.

“He's found his place now, at the right weight and the right level.”

Quotes from Gary Carson