Fox too tough in 2025 Australian Hurdle

In a performance that showcased sheer determination, The Cunning Fox delivered jockey Tommy Ryan his fourth win in the prestigious Australian Hurdle at Sandown on Sunday.

The $3.50 chance carried topweight of 71kg over the 3900m journey, remaining undefeated over hurdles as he fought hard to the line, beating Highland Blaze ($3.50) by 1-¾ lengths. The favourite Affluential ($2.60) was third.

The Cunning Fox’s time of 4:35.41 was notably slower than Stern Idol’s win in the Australian Steeplechase earlier in the day, but Ryan was impressed by the resolve his mount showed.

“We didn’t go overly quick and then they quickened at the top of the hill, and I was left totally flat-footed,” Ryan said.

“He winged the second-last and I was hoping to just stay on their coattails, but once we got in the straight, I gave him one backhander and away he went.

“He put his ears back and was fighting. He’s a tough, tough horse.”

There had been debate over whether The Cunning Fox would handle the 3900m, but Ryan never doubted his staying power.

“I always thought he would stay the 3900 metres and would get further, and he does,” Ryan said.

“He has that will-to-win. If we could buy that, we would all be multi-millionaires.

“Unfortunately, we all don’t have it, but he has it in bucketloads.”

Joe O’Neill, who manages the ownership group behind the talented jumper, shared Ryan’s admiration for the gelding, who recently took out the Galleywood Hurdle (3200m) at Warrnambool after an earlier success at Pakenham.

“He’s a fantastic horse and I’m in awe of how tough he is,” O’Neill said.

“I was a little bit concerned about the trip, but when you look back at his pedigree, he’s got a magnificent European staying pedigree, and he’s closely related to Singspiel who was a very good stallion.

“He’s a cracker and the owners have had a great ride with him.”