Stronghold justified even money favouritism to win the opening Irishinjuredjockeys.com Rated Race at Dundalk today for trainer Joseph O'Brien and jockey Seamie Heffernan.

The son of Teofilo filled the runner-up spot on handicap debut at the venue last Friday and today went one placing better when beating California Lad by a neck.

Heffernan later said “Joseph said he was a bit of a slow learner but he ran well the last night. He got the mile and a half, and if he goes back to a mile and a quarter he can step on the gas a bit earlier.

“He’s a staying horse and he’s straight forward.”

Quotes from Alan Magee