Heffernan partners Dunum to Galway Mile success

Seamie Heffernan added further gains to what has already been a memorable season when making most aboard the Natalia Lupini trained Dunum to win the featured COLM QUINN BMW Mile Handicap at Galway.

Previously a dual winner at the festival over 7f, the gelding had also proven his stamina at a mile or further on four occasions.

Pushed along to lead after less than a furlong, as one would expect, Heffernan set perfect fractions on the 12/1 chance.

Strongly pressed by both Bear Profit and Orandi from over a furlong out, Dunum just held on from the first-named by a head.

Winning the race for the first time, Heffernan said: "He's never run a bad race at the track. Craig and Natalia said he was back in form; likes an ease in the ground as he gets a bit older.

"I felt I had got a willing partner. He quickened up the hill and, he dug deep when a challenge came."

Natalia Lupini said: "We couldn't dismiss Galway and have been working towards both this race and the Ahonoora on Sunday. He did well today and Seamie is a great asset for a small yard like ours. Having a jockey of his calibre is a massive help.

"The horse usually jumps out smart, Seamie wasn't going to give away his position and the horse enjoyed himself. He loves the downhill run into the dip and he battled well towards the line.

"We'll see how he is at home but hopefully he'll also run in the Ahonoora."

Owner Maurice Burns added "I hurt my back on Saturday so I'm lucky to be here at all. On Sunday I thought I had no chance, but I was coming on a wheelchair or whatever way I could.

"I thought if he was back to his old form that he'd have a great chance and the drop of rain helped as well.

"I bred this horse with my friend Michael McCartan and took him to Goffs sales as a foal. Many people liked him but he only went to E2,800 so lucky enough I brought him home. This isn't even a dream come true, this is a horse of a lifetime.

"You couldn't write it and Dunum is the old Latin name for Downpatrick. Paddy Turley, who is a neighbour of mine in Downpatrick and a good friend, initially did a good job with the horse and it was he who recommended Natalie to train the horse."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes.