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Simon Cavanagh rides first bumper winner on Farrell's Il Courra

Il Courra and Simon Cavanagh (left) win from Idas BoyIl Courra and Simon Cavanagh (left) win from Idas Boy
© Photo Healy Racing

The 4/7 favourite Idas Boy looked set for victory when getting a nice run through on the inner in the Pinnacle (C & G) (Pro/Am) Flat Race but Il Courra (6/1) swooped on his outside to lead a furlong out.

The Shantou gelding kept on well to hold the market leader by three quarters of a length, with Mercury Lane (33/1) filling third spot.

Trained in Bunclody by Cormac Farrell, the winner was placed in a couple of point-to-points and had been runner-up on his bumper debut at Kilbeggan in August. He's a full-brother to Grade 2 winners Shantou Village and Bun Doran.

The winning rider, 7lb claimer Simon Cavanagh, said: “I was second on him the last day in Kilbeggan. He just got touched off there by a decent mare of Gordon Elliott's.

“He is after improving now because that ground wouldn't have really suited him. He is tough, he is genuine and he keeps trying for you the whole time.

"I'd say he will go for a maiden hurdle now and I'd say his owners will hold on to him as they bred him.

"That's my sixth winner on the track and my first actual bumper winner.

“I'm from Westmeath but I work with Denis Murphy and do a bit for Cormac (Farrell) as well. It's good to get on these good horses."

Additional reporting by Donal Murphy

About Mark Nunan
Mark has followed racing since he was a teenager and worked for many years as a broadcaster with the Irish version of Racecall. He joined the Press Association in 2019 and is also a contributor to the Racing Post. A native of Kildare, he now lives in Sligo.