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Hannon considering Irish Derby option with Bunyola Bay
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Sun 7 Jun 2026
Richard Hannon is considering a tilt at the Irish Derby with Bunyola Bay after his taking win in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Gowran Classic on Monday.
The son of Ghaiyyath had finished third to William Haggas’ useful Needle Match on debut at Newbury in October, but has barely put a foot wrong since returning this term, winning a novice event cosily from the front at Doncaster before enhancing his reputation at Gowran when picking up a €107,800 bounty.
That race served as a ‘win and you’re in’ for the colts’ Curragh Classic on June 28, with Hannon now pondering shelving an intended run in the Britannia Stakes at Royal Ascot in favour of loftier ambitions.
Bunyola Bay won for Sean Levey and Richard Hannon at Gowran Park. (Photo: Healy Racing)
Hannon said: “We’ve always thought he was a very talented horse and he showed that on Monday, and it was a nice pot to win.
“He’s in a Deauville sales race in August which is another very attractive pot and he also gets a free entry into the Irish Derby, which I think we might take up.
“It could be a great idea and he looks a very capable horse. Whether we are up to that level, I don’t know, but you couldn’t get a better performance for only a third start than what he produced at Gowran.
“We were thinking Britannia, but we might have to rethink that now.”
While Ascot may now be off the table for Bunyola Bay, on the same afternoon exciting filly Aperoll played herself on to the teamsheet for the marquee meeting with the perfect introduction at Newbury.
Always well-regarded by Hannon and his team, she justified favouritism in taking fashion and will now step up in distance for the Listed Chesham Stakes.
“I was very pleased with the Ghaiyyath filly, she’s a good filly and will probably go to the Chesham now,” continued Hannon.
“She’s always been a very nice filly and has a lovely attitude. She was half asleep all day at Newbury and travelled really well.
“Pat Dobbs said he couldn’t pull her up and I’m looking forward to going seven furlongs. She’s a really sweet filly who has always gone well at home.”
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