Joseph O'Brien's Stronghold wins Dundalk's opener

Stronghold justified even money favouritism to win the opening Irishinjuredjockeys.com Rated Race at Dundalk today for trainer Joseph O'Brien and jockey Seamie Heffernan.

The son of Teofilo filled the runner-up spot on handicap debut at the venue last Friday and today went one placing better when beating California Lad by a neck.

Heffernan later said “Joseph said he was a bit of a slow learner but he ran well the last night. He got the mile and a half, and if he goes back to a mile and a quarter he can step on the gas a bit earlier.

“He’s a staying horse and he’s straight forward.”

Quotes from Alan Magee