Victory Star attracted some support at big prices in the claimer at Dundalk and ran out a cosy winner under Seamie Heffernan.

Kevin Coleman 's charge was as big as 40/1 this morning and went to post an 18/1 shot in the ten furlong contest.

Heffernan came to lead two furlongs from home on the Night Of Thunder gelding.

He was always holding even-money favourite Jaafel who ran on into second inside the final furlong, late on to record a length-and-a-quarter success.

The winning trainer was leading up and Heffernan said:-

"He had a good run (when third) here on his penultimate start and I rode him a bit of work and he felt fine.

"It is just one of those things, he didn't run his race the last day but he won well today."

When asked if he was looking forward to getting back on turf for the new season, he replied: "I've never been looking forward to it more!

"I'm trying to find horses for Group races - Group races is where I want to be riding.

"It is lovely to be getting the support, I feel lucky!"

The winner as claimed by Cathal Byrnes to be trained by Charles Byrnes and the same connections also claimed the runner-up Jaafel. Pierre Lapin was claimed by Miss C.M. Mills to be trained by Jarlath Fahey.

(Quotes by Michael Graham)