Success for Scott who credits 'canny' Heffernan ride Trainer Gillian Scott credited veteran jockey Seamie Heffernan with Red Hugh O’Donnell’s (10/1) first career success today, in Killarney’s Ross Castle Maiden. A runner-up last August from nine career outings, the four-year-old was restrained in rear by Heffernan today and while pushed along in fifth-place two furlongs out, rallied well on the outer to edge a head ahead of Ocean Manifest at the line. Ballingarry, Co Limerick-based Scott reported “I was so close to not running because of the ground but I live so close to the racecourse, I had to run. He also likes small field, hates being boxed in and, call a spade a spade, it was a weak race too. I’m thrilled though.” Regarding jockey brother Billy Lee’s absence due to his Saturday collarbone break, she added “this horse wasn’t going to reach the heights that Paddy (Twomey, previous trainer) wanted so he was there and we took him. I actually thought today would be the one day Billy could ride him but unfortunately he is out. “Today’s win was all down to Seamie though - 100% due to his canniness. That’s his first first winner for me.” Fifty-two-year-old Heffernan, who parted ways with long-time ally champion trainer Aidan O’Brien this year, has added two Group 3 wins this season to his Wokingham Stakes success at Royal Ascot last month.
