The Tom Taaffe trained Heaney justified 2/1 favouritism to win the Family First Maiden Hurdle at Downpatrick today, under jockey Paul Townend.

The son of Flemensfirth was patiently ridden before before produced with his challenge from two out, eventually staying on well for a half length win over Mrs Trair

Taaffe later stated “Barry (Geraghty) rode Heaney the last day he ran and told me to drop him out next time out. I told Paul (Townend) to take his time today and he said that he even arrived there too soon. He was pushed a bit wide coming down the hill and was forced to go with the flow and produce his challenge when he did.”

“Heaney will be sent chasing sooner rather than later and while the track was not ideal, he loved the ground.”