SEAMIE Heffernan was quick off the mark at Leopardstown on Thursday, bagging a double early on the card.

The Kevin Coleman-trained With Love built on a promising debut run at the Curragh when claiming the opening Irish EBF Auction Series Race in good style.

She went to post 2/1 joint-favourite in the seven-furlong contest and proved too strong for fellow market leader Voce Del Palio in the closing stages to post a length-and-a-half win.

The daughter of Territories had been an eye-catching fourth first time and the trainer said afterwards: “We expected her to do it but you have to come and do it and she had to beat two winners.

“Seamie said it was never in doubt. She wouldn’t show a whole lot at home but he thinks she’s fairly good.

“They are a couple of stakes races over seven coming up but I stay out of that and the lads (Atomic Racing) will decide.

“There is the Silver Flash here in July, I’m not one to jump the gun, but we can actually think of that now.”

Strong surge

Half an hour later Heffernan produced Royal Tribute with a strong surge in the closing stages to land the seven-furlong handicap.

The Denis Hogan-trained gelding swooped inside the final furlong to claim front-runner Castletownshend and record a one-and-three-quarter-length win at odds of 12/1.

“I would have been disappointed if I didn’t win the first and now I’m delighted that I’ve had a double,” said Heffernan afterwards.

“When things fall his way he quickens and the race couldn’t have panned out any better.”

STEVEN Cahill had a night to remember, partnering his first winner for boss Willie Mullins in the concluding amateur riders’ maiden, on board Loughisle Lady.

The French-bred filly had finished mid-division in three maiden hurdles last autumn and went to post a 12/1 shot, tried on the level.

Cahill produced his charge to lead approaching the straight and she had enough up her sleeve late on to hold the charge of even-money favourite Hi Stranger by a neck.

Patrick Mullins commented afterwards: “It’s great to give Steven a winner, he’s a real good hardy rider and rides anything at home. He’s a big help to us in the yard.

“She’s very well-bred. She was disappointing last year and we thought she was better than that.

New owners

“Maybe coming back to the flat and good ground has helped her. It’s great to get a winner for the Slatterys as well, they are relatively new owners to us.”

There was also a first win for Smaoineamh Sile as the John McConnell-trained filly opened her account in the Sandyford Handicap over nine furlongs.

Dylan Browne McMonagle led after a couple of furlongs on the Pride Of Dubai filly and the 10/1 shot was in control down the straight to record a cosy two-and-a-quarter-length win.

“I’m delighted for Peter (Commane), he’s been a very lucky owner for me, he’s had three Sheilas and they’ve all won now,” said McConnell.

“We were scratching our heads over whether we’d get this girl to win. She has the ability but she’s a lady and likes to do things her own way. Dylan gave her a peach of a ride.”

Como Park broke his duck at the fourth time of asking when running out a gutsy winner of the TRI Equestrian Maiden.

Declan McDonogh also used front-running tactics on the Camelot colt and the 5/4 favourite found plenty when joined by First Emperor in the straight, battling to a head victory.

Brendan Powell, representing winning trainer Joseph O’Brien, said afterwards: “It was a tough performance. I thought Donnacha’s horse had come to beat him.

“Declan said in an ideal world he’d rather have got a lead early on but there was going to be no pace, and we know he stays well, so he just let him bowl along.”

Ryan shines on Wind

JAMES Ryan came in for plenty of praise from trainer Tom McCourt after his ride on Eastern Wind in the Coast To Curragh Charity Cycle Handicap.

The 5/1 shot was soon in front in the mile contest and held off the late challenge of Chaos Control to record a neck success for owner John McGovern.

“She’s very gutsy. I said to James to make as much use of her as he could, to give her a little breather at the end of the back straight and then just keep stretching away. He gave her a good ride,” said McCourt.

“She has to be in front, she’s a funny filly, if she’s in behind she’s not that happy.

“The plan is to go to the Curragh for a €50,000 mile handicap. We might as well have a go at it.

“James is a great young man and it’s great to have him. If he gets the chance he’ll do very well. He can do 8st 4lb, he’s fairly determined and looks after his weight.”

Morning breaks through

The Willie McCreery-trained Morning Approach gained a deserved second career success when benefitting from a well-judged hold up ride in the Racing With Pride Handicap.

Nathan Crosse got a split inside the final furlong on the 5/1 shot as she came through to score by half a length from the fast-finishing Apple Of His Eye.

“I’m delighted for the lads (Morning Approach Syndicate). I played football with Richie (Dunne), I carried him for a long time on the pitch!” said McCreery.

“Eddie (McGarry) played football for Carlow and Annie (O’Rourke), the other part owner, is leading her up.

“She worked for John McLoughlin years ago and works in Naas hospital. She rides her when she’s off.”