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Donal Murphy

Donal Murphy

Il Coura bounces back to his best

Fri 2nd Sep 2022, 19:44

Il Coura jumps to the front at the last under Paddy O'HanlonIl Coura jumps to the front at the last under Paddy O'Hanlon
© Photo Healy Racing

Il Coura recorded his second win of the season as he reversed recent course and distance form with Arrycan in the Kilsaran Handicap Chase.

A winner at Limerick in May, the Cormac Farrell trained seven-year-old was a bit disappointing on his next two outings, finishing eight lengths fourth to Arrycan on his most recent start.

Sent off a 15/2 chance this evening, the bay victor was settled in mid-division by Paddy O'Hanlon and still had plenty to do in fifth from two out.

He soon made good headway and jumped to the front at the last, keeping on well under pressure from there, coming home three lengths to the good.

.Arrycan (10/3 from 6s early) had to settle for second under Richie Deegan for Liam Cusack, while top-weight Fancy Foundations (20/1) was another three-and-a-quarter lengths back in third.

The Willie Mullins trained We'llhavewan was sent off the 15/8 favourite but he jumped poorly and eventually finished seventh.

"I expected that today. He worked with a couple of nice Flat horses six days ago and I was very impressed with him," said Farrell.

"It's great and he's improving away. It's nice for the Griffins, who are fantastic owners and such easy people to train for, and everyone in the yard, who work so hard.

"He loves it here, it keeps him interested going up and down and around.

"We'll have a look now but as soon as the ground is gone we'll give him a little bit of a break and aim for the spring."

STEWARDS REPORTS

P. Townend, rider of We'llhavewan trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was flat out and jumped novicey.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined We'llhavewan, trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be coughing post race.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

1st
15/2
Tote €8.80 €2.20
2nd
3L
10/3
€1.90
3rd
3.25L
20/1
€3.20
bf
0.75L
15/8Fav
About Donal Murphy
Donal graduated from Maynooth University in 2010 with a BBS in Equine Business and since attained a diploma in Sports Journalism from Dublin Business School. He holds a variety of roles in the horse racing industry, reporting for the Press Association and p2p.ie, while also working for SIS and the Tote. From Wexford, he is a keen runner and has completed over 100 parkruns at various locations around the country.