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66/1 Underdog An Taobh Coinnioll Wins Leopardstown Bumper

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, January 31st 2026 at 12:29 GMT by Irish Examiner
      Locale: IRELAND

Leopardstown, Dublin - January 31st, 2026 - In a stunning display of underdog spirit, Paul Horgan's An Taobh Coinnioll defied expectations and a crowded field to secure victory in the concluding bumper at Leopardstown's prestigious Winter Festival earlier today. The four-year-old gelding, largely overlooked by bookmakers and tipped at a remarkable 66/1 on the morning of the race, delivered a performance that left racing fans and experts alike astonished.

The Irish EAB Racing Ltd Flat Bumper, traditionally a stepping stone for future National Hunt stars, saw An Taobh Coinnioll overcome a difficult start to ultimately triumph. The gelding, a son of the highly-regarded sire Walk In The Park, found himself squeezed in the initial stages of the race, appearing to be significantly off the pace. Many observers assumed the troubled start would preclude any chance of contention.

However, jockey Shane Creenan, enjoying a breakout season marked by consistent strong rides, expertly navigated the horse through the field. Creenan, demonstrating both patience and tactical awareness, bided his time before unleashing An Taobh Coinnioll's potential in the closing stages. The gelding responded gamely, displaying a surprising turn of foot to overtake the leading contenders and cross the finish line to the delight of his trainer and owner, M. J. B. Quinlan.

"He's a grand horse, and he's shown us a bit at home," a clearly delighted Paul Horgan stated after the race. "He's not the biggest, but he's a lovely horse to have. I was worried when he got squeezed at the start - I thought he'd need a lot more to get into the mix. But Shane gave him a lovely ride, and he really dug deep." Horgan's understated assessment belies the magnitude of the victory, particularly given the competitive nature of the Leopardstown Winter Festival.

The win represents a significant achievement for the smaller stable of Paul Horgan, who has been steadily building a reputation for nurturing talented young horses. While Walk In The Park progeny are consistently sought after, the fact that An Taobh Coinnioll was sent off at such long odds underlines the pre-race assessment that he wasn't considered a leading prospect. This makes the victory all the more impressive, showcasing the horse's inherent ability and the skill of both trainer and jockey.

This race could mark a turning point for An Taobh Coinnioll. Bumper races, though run on the flat, serve as a vital introduction to the demands of National Hunt racing. Success at Leopardstown suggests the gelding possesses the stamina, temperament and athleticism required to excel over hurdles and potentially even fences in the future. Racing analysts are already speculating about potential targets for the horse later in the season, with several Grade 1 juvenile hurdles being mentioned.

Shane Creenan's ride was instrumental in the victory, and the jockey's recent form has drawn significant attention. Creenan has quickly established himself as one of the rising stars in the Irish racing landscape, securing increasingly prominent rides on established horses. A partnership between Creenan and Horgan, now demonstrably successful, may well blossom into a formidable force in the coming years.

Looking ahead, the connections of An Taobh Coinnioll will carefully consider their options. While a swift switch to hurdles is likely, the team will prioritize the horse's well-being and development. The winter months are notoriously demanding for young horses, and a sensible campaign will be crucial to ensure An Taobh Coinnioll reaches his full potential. The victory at Leopardstown, however, has undoubtedly provided a significant boost to the entire team and solidified their belief in the horse's capabilities. It's a reminder that, in horse racing, anything is possible and that even the longest of shots can land a winning blow.