First winner for Heffernan as Shelter makes all

Bernard Heffernan recorded his first ever winner at Dundalk this evening as his horse Give Me Shelter under Sam James made all to spring a 25/1 shock in the Dundalk Stadium On Facebook Handicap.

The son of Araafa, who was having his first run since October of last year, was ridden by Sam James as they entered the final furlong but he kept on well under pressure to score by two lengths.

Bendzolan, on his first start for Jessica Harrington, ran a nice race to finish second at 4/1 under Fran Berry while the 7/2 favourite Kalacan was third under Billy Lee for Denise 'Sneezy' Foster.

The winning 4yo ran well on his debut over the course and distance back in April of last year where he finished just under five lengths sixth to Golden Shoe.

He also ran well at Killarney in July, where he finished a length and a quarter behind Grand And Beauty but in between those decent efforts he disappointed on seven other starts.

Winning trainer Heffernan said afterwards: "He lost his form last year and I don’t really know why. He is back to himself now. He ran well at Killarney in July.

"We gave him a break and that seems to have freshened him up. We have no plans for him now.

"He ran alright here in a 3yo maiden here before and Sam gave him a lovely ride.

"The trip was ideal for him and he needed things to go his own way. He is a real front runner."

The winner, Give Me Shelter, is a half-brother to Palazzone, who managed to win four for Ger Lyons, including three at Dundalk and the Richard Hannon trained Yer Woman who also won four including two on the all-weather at Kempton. (DM & GC)