Dawn Patrol completed a Curragh treble for Aidan O’Brien and Seamie Heffernan on Sunday, with a battling display in the Comer Group International Loughbrown Stakes.
Dawn Patrol resumes winning ways with success in the Group Three @comerhomesgroup International Loughbrown Stakes for Seamie Heffernan and Aidan O'Brien ???? pic.twitter.com/XJd7IT2Ijp
— The Curragh Racecourse (@curraghrace) September 27, 2020
The Group 3 contest represented a drop in class for the son of Galileo, who finished sixth in the St Leger at Doncaster on his latest appearance a fortnight ago.
Also third in the Irish Derby earlier in the year, the 5/2 shot travelled strongly and saw out the trip well on his first start over two miles, for a decisive three-quarter-length success over Barrington Court.
Heffernan said: ““He arrived there on the bridle. Aidan said to ride him with loads of confidence and take all the chances down the inside.
“He finished out well and could be a two-mile or two-and-a-half-mile horse. Maybe that could be his thing – and I don’t think ground matters.”
O’Brien’s Van Gogh (4/7 favourite) had earlier made the most of having his sights lowered in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden.
Placed at Group 3 and Group 2 level at Leopardstown this season, the son of American Pharoah opened his account with a half-length verdict over Colour Sergeant.
“He’s a gorgeous big horse, and I’d say there could be a lot of improvement in him,” said Heffernan.
“He’s been running well – and because he’s big, I get the impression there could be a lot of improvement with time.”
O’Brien and Heffernan also hit the target with Irish Derby fourth Order Of Australia (6/5 favourite), in the Sycamore Lodge Equine Hospital Race.
Order Of Australia runs off a double for Seamie Heffernan, Aidan O'Brien and @Ballydoyle with success in the Sycamore Lodge Equine Hospital Race ???? pic.twitter.com/hkBK576Y3q
— The Curragh Racecourse (@curraghrace) September 27, 2020
“In fairness, he’s never had many chances of winning races, because he was working well and running in classics,” said Heffernan. “He’s two from two now after a little break, and he took a blow with me again.”
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