Seamie Heffernan on Derby glory and why he is still happy to play the understudy

Richard Forristal catches up with the longtime Ballydoyle stalwart

The 2019 Investec Derby-winning rider Seamie Heffernan - 'The grass is always greener, but how long will it last?' he asks of eschewing opportunities beyond BallydoyleCredit: Patrick McCann

After Seamie Heffernan rode his first winner on Annsfield Lady for PJ Finn at Dundalk in August 1988, another ten years would pass before Donnacha O’Brien was born.

Heffernan was already 16 years of age and Ray Houghton’s arcing header into the top corner of the English net in Stuttgart would ultimately go down in folklore as the most notable Irish sporting event in the summer of '88.

Still, it is an illustration of just how long Heffernan has endured.

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Published on 27 June 2019inFeatures

Last updated 17:51, 27 June 2019

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