SEA THE STARS PRETTY POLLY STAKES (Group 1)

SUPER-SUB Seamus Heffernan showed just why he is such a vital part of the Ballydoyle operation when bagging two group races at the Curragh last Sunday, the highlight being the gallant short-head victory of 8/1 chance Diamondsandrubies in the Group 1 Sea The Stars Pretty Polly Stakes.

Given a positive ride from the front in the silks of her Fethard breeder Roisin Henry, who shares ownership of the three-year-old with Sue Magnier, Diamondsandrubies was pressed inside the distance by the English 1000 Guineas winner Legatissimo but held on narrowly in a driving finish. Ribbons stayed on for pressure to snatch the third spot.

BEAUTIFULLY-BRED

The beautifully-bred daughter of Fastnet Rock met with interference when fourth in the Oaks and as Heffernan stated afterwards: “She was unlucky at Epsom, as everyone saw and it was nice for me to keep the ride. I think that’s my 20th or 21st group winner for Aidan.” [It was number 20]

Trainer Aidan O’Brien agreed and stated: “She looked very unlucky in Epsom and was always going to come here. We thought we would get a lead off Secret Gesture but Seamus gave her a great ride and she ground it out. It was probably one of the best Pretty Pollys and all the fancied ones were there at the finish.”

The Darley Irish Oaks will be next for Diamondsandrubies, who was introduced into the betting at 3/1 by Boylesports and she is expected to be joined in the line-up by Qualify and Words.

Legatissimo, meanwhile, is heading for Goodwood’s Nassau Stakes with her trainer David Wachman reflecting: “She ran well. They went no pace which didn’t really suit but Ryan (Moore) was happy there were no excuses.”

Heffernan followed up on 9/1 shot Bondi Beach for joint owners Derrick Smith, Sue Magnier and Michael Tabor in the Group 3 At The Races Curragh Cup, despite losing his whip just outside the furlong pole.

STABLE-COMPANION

The Galileo colt had a sustained tussle with his stable-companion Order Of St George inside the last but found that bit extra to shade it by a short-head. Market leader and top-weight Forgotten Rules finished just over six and a half lengths away in fourth.

O’Brien said afterwards: “They looked two proper Leger horses and they’ll both go to Doncaster. Bondi Beach might not need another run before then but the other horse will.”

Paddy Power quote them 12/1 and 14/1 chances respectively for the final classic of the season. The master of Ballydoyle concluded: “Seamus is a star, a world-class rider and a great fellow too. No-one deserves it more.”