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John O'Riordan

John O'Riordan

Good evening for Vietnam backers at Mallow

Fri 26th Jul 2024, 17:50

Morning Vietnam and Seamie HeffernanMorning Vietnam and Seamie Heffernan
© Photo Healy Racing

The Michael O'Callaghan trained Morning Vietnam resumed winning ways when proving too strong for a trio of rivals in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Rated Race at Cork.

Having made a winning debut on the all-weather at Dundalk in March, the gelding failed to step up when pitched into Listed company on his two most recent starts.

Back in calmer waters here, the Seamie Heffernan partnered 16/1 chance belied his outsider status with an impressive performance.

Pushed along to head leader Lehimfly over a furlong out, the Bungle Inthejungle gelding went right away to win by three-and-a-quarter lengths.

Michael O'Callaghan said: "We have liked him from day one but always knew he was a little highly strung. He didn't have a hard race the first day (at Dundalk) so you'd have been hoping he wouldn't form this apprehension before his races, but that is what has happened.

"He lost his races before the start twice so we had to geld him, which is not something I usually do (mid-season). I held in in such high regard that if we didn't geld him, we'd have no horse."

He added "The lads at home have done a great job with him, he had done plenty work from stalls and we look to have him back.

"In the spring I thought he was made for a Molecomb (Stakes) but the wheels came off that plan. He is very, very fast though and now that that plan has changed, we are in no rush as he is a big 16.1hh horse.

"He is a beautiful mover, loves fast ground and could potentially be a good horse if we mind his mind. We have a racehorse now."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes.

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.