Heffernan & O'Brien double up with National Ballet

The well-backed National Ballet (11/8 fav, from 4/1 earlier in the afternoon) took full advantage of an opening mark of 74 to win the Cahirdavin Handicap in good style.

The Deep Impact colt chased the leaders but needed plenty of encouragement from the saddle to come through and hit the front over a furlong out.

From that point he stayed on well on the rain-softened ground to defeat Right Turn (11/1) by a length and a half.

Winning rider Seamie Heffernan, who was completing quick doubles for himself and trainer Aidan O’Brien, said: “He has a very good pedigree. I didn't think I was ever going to win until the last half furlong and maybe he needs all the trip.

“He has a big frame and maybe needed the time to strengthen up. Hopefully he will keep strengthening and get better.

"It is nice to ride another winner because I've eight days off now, for trying too hard!"

O’Brien had also been on the mark in France during the afternoon when the Colin Keane-ridden Broome won the Group 1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud.

Quotes from Thomas Weekes