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John O'Riordan

John O'Riordan

Capulet another winning juvenile debutant for O'Brien

Tue 15th Aug 2023, 15:35

Capulet and Seamie Heffernan beats Huxley Gavin Ryan to win for trainer Aidan O'BrienCapulet and Seamie Heffernan beats Huxley Gavin Ryan to win for trainer Aidan O'Brien
© Photo Healy Racing

Aidan O'Brien sent out yet another juvenile to win at the first time of asking when his Capulet ran out a cosy winner of the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden at Dundalk.

Seamie Heffernan, who, like the trainer was completing a double on the card, had the Justify colt away smartly from stalls, sitting second in the initial stages.

Moving up to take over the lead from pace setter So Diligent entering the straight, Capulet was briefly challenged by Nor Time Nor Time before quickly getting the better of that rival.

It was the more experienced Huxley who threw down the last challenge, apparently travelling easily when moving upsides inside the final furlong.

However, that colt didn't find quite as much as expected, allowing Capulet to assert close home.

Seamie Heffernan said: "Aidan told me to ride him wherever I was comfortable, I liked him plenty.

"He feels like he is going to start progressing now.

"He was the best horse in the race and he gave me a beautiful feel. A beautiful, big horse.

"Good temperament and kept responding for me, and the attitude is what you need.

"He is a stakes horse but he might be a little bit weak this year, but we will see."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham.

1st
6/4
Tote €2.60 €1.10
2nd
0.75L
3/1
€1.10
3rd
5L
11/8Fav
€1.10
4th
3.25L
20/1
About John O'Riordan
John has worked for the Press Association since 2022. He also writes a weekly column for The Irish Field and is a regular contributor to the Irish Racing Yearbook. He has previously written for the Racing Post, Irish Examiner and Irish Daily Mirror. He has been involved in racing for over three decades; having experience as a syndicate member, sole owner and breeder.