Star Of India (near side) shines on debut © Photo Healy Racing
Seamie Heffernan grabbed a quick double for boss Aidan O'Brien at Leopardstown today when Star Of India made a winning debut in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden.
The Galileo colt, a half-brother to Group 1 winner Sudirman, chased the leaders in the seven-furlong contest but was 'behind the bridle' for much of the trip.
Heffernan challenged wide on his mount over a furlong from home and he got to the front inside the final furlong, pulling away late on for a two-and-a-quarter length victory.
Heffernan:- “He's a grand staying type of horse, they went a good gallop.
“Paddy Graffin (Clerk of the Course) said to me leaving the parade ring 'he's nice' and anytime Paddy says that to me they win! He might be a good omen.
“We went a good gallop there and I stayed going well, I liked him.”
