Grappa Nonino (centre) © Photo Healy Racing
Grappa Nonino (10/1) recorded his third win of the year when taking QuinnBet.com Handicap under Chris Hayes.
The Teofilo gelding, a winner over hurdles at Navan in March and on the Flat at Killarney in May, was settled behind the leaders and moved into third two furlongs out before staying on well to lead inside the final 150 yards.
At the line, he had three-parts of a length to spare over the Jake Coen-ridden Zileo
There was concern after the race when Coen appeared unwell in the parade ring but thankfully he quickly recovered.
A statement from officials read: "Following the running of the sixth race at the Curragh, rider Jake Coen became unwell after dismounting from his mount in the parade ring. Jake was attended immediately by the Medical team on track and has made a full recovery."
There was a short delay to the final race.
Winning trainer Dermot Weld said of Grappa Nonino: "He did it well. Chris gave him a peach of a ride, he was in the box seat turning for home.
“He did well to get him from a 17 draw across and that was important because I thought there was quicker ground on the far rail, and that's been evident all day.
“He's a good actioned horse. He ran a reasonable race in Galway last week, I was disappointed with him but the ground had gone soft to heavy and that's not for him.
“He was drawn wide and ran a bit keen. It was a combination of things and things just didn't work out in that particular race.
“He's a smashing horse to train, he's won a couple on the Flat and he's won over hurdles this year as well.
“He has a great owner, Gregg Ryan in America. He'll be enjoying watching the race and his future will be to go to America as a dual-purpose horse.”
Quotes from Gary Carson
