Passion seals double for O'Brien and Heffernan

Passion made all in the Group 3 Stanerra Stakes at Naas to bring up a quick-fire double for Aidan O’Brien and Seamie Heffernan.

The 7/2 shot had her rivals off the bridle racing into the final three furlongs of this mile and six staying contest.

She was ridden to keep her up to her work inside the two pole and to her credit she maintained the gallop to come in by a length and three parts. Traisha came home nicely for second at 14/1 from 18/1. Kastasa the 6/5 favourite, saw her winning run end at five races as she finished third.

Seamie Heffernan said: “Billy Lee rode her in the (Irish) Oaks and she ran well and came out of the race well. She stays that trip and is probably maturing into her full strength now.

“She could run well in a Leger or the Park Hill.”

Paddy Power introduced Passion at 33/1 for the St Leger.

O'Brien and Heffernan teamed up with Chief Little Hawk to land the inaugural running of the Ballyhane Stakes half an hour earlier.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee