Cork report: Students throng Mallow to see Advanced Virgo spring surprise
A packed enclosure enjoying Student Raceday at Cork Racecourse, Mallow. Picture: Healy Racing
The students thronged Cork Racecourse, Mallow, on the hottest day of the year to date and while they were all in great spirits, it seems reasonable to deduce that few would have latched on to the winner of the feature race, the Way To Paris At Coolagown Stud Hurdle, as it went to 40-1 outsider Advanced Virgo.
Trained by Anthony McCann, ridden by Jonathan Moore, and carrying the familiar colours of Rita Shah, the seven-year-old was having his first run since being bought out of Charles Byrnes’ yard. While the focus was on odds-on favourite Cayd Boy and market rival Gibraltar, Advanced Virgo crept into the race steadily, moved up going well at the second-last and, after taking over from Cayd Boy, comfortably repelled the late effort of Gibraltar.
