Euphoric, left, catches Rocking Tree © Photo Healy Racing
Expensive-purchase Euphoric got there to make a winning debut for Aidan O'Brien in the NavanRacecourse,ie Maiden over a mile.
This Frankel colt cost 1.9 million guineas as a yearling and went off 15/8 favourite for this assignment.
He couldn't have been called an obvious winner at the three pole as he came off the bridle in mid-division, however, he responded to pressure to give himself a chance in the final quarter of a mile.
He was still fourth at the furlong pole as the leader Rocking Tree attempted to kick on.
Euphoric really put his best foot forward in second in the closing stages, though, and nabbed Rocking Tree (9/2) by a short head on the line. Solar Saving (16/1) was a length and three-quarters back in third.
Stable representative Chris Armstrong said: “He was just ready to start and he's a lovely colt to look forward to.
“He's still a bit of a baby, it was great to get him out at this time of year and he's one to look forward to for next year.
“He'll be a lovely mile-and-a-quarter, middle-distance horse. It's grand to get him started, one run into him at least at two, and we'll see how he progresses between now and the end of the year.
“He has still a bit to go mentally and physically.”
Heffernan added: "He's babyish, but he's off to a good start. It's hard for any of our horses to win first time out. The ones who do usually progress into Group horses, so hopefully he will too.
"I wanted to get him organised, get him balanced and then get him going and see what was there. I'm happy he won.Â
"He's well bred and his heart is in the right place, so hopefully he keeps on improving."
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
