Michael Graham
Black Storm 'a steering job' for Heffernan!
Black Storm approaches the winning post
© Photo Healy Racing
Black Storm progressed from a runner-up berth in Cork to win the Michael Cooney Memorial Maiden in Dundalk.
The 85/40 favourite soon tracked the leader and was third halfway. Heffernan drove him to the front 150 yards down and the duo kept on best to score by a length. Mags (16/5) came home second and was a length and three-parts in front of An Mhi Abu (9/2).
Seamie Heffernan said: "Kevin actually said I should have ridden him the last day, but I thought I had a better ride.
"I rode his dad (Ten Sovereigns) a lot and his dad was very weak and then all of a sudden he came right. I think he won three races, including a Group 1, in three weeks.
"This lad didn't run as a two-year-old, he was obviously weak. I ride a bit of work for Kevin and I'm loving it. He was a steering job and I enjoy all steering jobs!"
Kevin Coleman added: "I got him off Ken Condon who had all the work done with him. He ran in a barrier trial and we got him after that.
"He improved from the barrier trial and he improved from the run in Cork.
"Probably a bit worried coming back to seven (furlongs) on a quicker surface, but that was the only option because he needs good ground. I was going to go to Killarney on Monday, so I have made the right call.
"I'd say he is a very nice horse. The O'Flynns in Cork own him, good supporters of mine over the years. I don't know, but I presume they will sell him."