Heffernan handed Marmalade mission

Seamus Heffernan has received the call-up for Duke Of Marmalade in the rescheduled Tattersalls Millions Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown on Sunday.

Johnny Murtagh the colt’s intended rider at Saturday’s meeting, which was abandoned, but the jockey will instead partner Henrythenavigator at Longchamp.

Leopardstown’s meeting is subject to a 7.30am precautionary inspection, however, with Aidan O’Brien having already warned that Duke Of Marmalade will only run if the ground is not too soft.

If the brilliant colt does line up in the Group One contest, punters can look forward to an absorbing duel with Vodafone Derby winner New Approach.

Heffernan also replaces Murtagh aboard Halfway To Heaven in the Coolmore Fusaichi Pegasus Matron Stakes earlier on the Leopardstown card.