Bunyola Bay takes Gowran Classic for Hannon and Levey
Bunyola Bay and Sean Levey win the Gowran Classic for trainer Richard Hannon.
The third running of the €200,000 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Gowran Classic went for export on Bank Holiday Monday in Gowran Park as Bunyola Bay bolted-up for Richard Hannon and Sean Levey.
The 11/2 shot, a son of Ghaiyyath, having only his third start on the back of a ‘novice’ win at Doncaster, made most of the running and set sail for home off the home-turn, quickly establishing a clear advantage and running on strongly to beat Mo Mhuirin by three and a quarter lengths, with Cherry Hill Girl and 5/6 favourite Hardy Warrior a never nearer fourth.
“He’s relatively inexperienced and this was his first time going around a bend, galloping or in a race,” explained a delighted Levey. “He was impressive and he had to be today. The boss has always liked him. This race was a good find and it has worked out well.
“It was a fair jump from his win in Doncaster and he had to find a bit on ratings. But he’s unexposed and improving. He’s definitely a nice horse, how nice we don’t know yet.
“My visits home are few and far between," he added, "but it’s always nice to come back and get such a good reception.”
Trained for Moyglare Stud Farm by Dermot Weld, once-raced Kingman filly Amenita (9/4 favourite) challenged late, between horse, to foil Star Of Beauty and Elusive Echo in the one-mile fillies maiden.
“She got a lovely ride from Chris (Hayes),” stated Weld, “He got her relaxed and settled and she quickened when he pulled her out to challenge. She did it nicely and we’ll make our way gradually with her. She’s from a really good family, so it would be nice to get some black type later in the season.” The Jessica Harrington-trained Thrifty Of Digby, having dictated the pace, dug deep for Shane Foley when headed by Spanish Temptress to land the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap, on the nod.
“She’s a tough, brave filly and just wasn’t going to get beaten,” said the winning trainer, “She loves it here (has won at Gowran three times) and Roscommon and is effective from seven furlongs to a mile and a quarter. She’s entered for the On-Line Sale, but I think we’ll keep her.” Stable-jockey Foley delivered a double for the Commonstown team when once-raced Confused, backed into 6/4 favourite, swooped late to deny 92-rated Listentodwindblow in the Quinnbet Maiden.
“He had a good first run here and came forward,” said Harrington, “I was worried about the ground but rang Shane after the first and he was happy with it.” “He’s still very green, but quickened up and got the trip well. He’ll end up going a mile and a half. We’ll look for a conditions race for him – he’s not man enough for a handicap yet.”
Out of luck in the Classic, Joseph O’Brien captured the Sonix Entertainment with 7/2 favourite Obscenity. Who came from last under Joe Sheridan to beat Beauparc, earning a trip to the Curragh for a handicap on Derby weekend.
O’Brien and Sheridan completed a double when Sweet Baby Zou (7/2) landed the first division of the 0-60 handicap.
And Frankel colt Amrum, rated just 56, carried the Juddmonte colours to a narrow win over Neo Eyes in the second division, scoring for Ger Lyons and Colin Keane.
