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Cousin Ivan makes big impression on debut to give former Albany resident Holly Taylor first city winner

Taj StubberAlbany Advertiser
Former Albany resident Holly Taylor with Cousin Ivan after an impressive debut win last Thursday.
Camera IconFormer Albany resident Holly Taylor with Cousin Ivan after an impressive debut win last Thursday.

Former Albany resident Holly Taylor trained her first metropolitan winner, impressive three-year-old Cousin Ivan, at Belmont last Thursday.

Cousin Ivan is Albany-owned and bred, and produced an electric turn of foot in the home straight on a soft 7 track to win on debut in the colours of Annette Crump and Grant Gibbs.

After six barrier trials, Cousin Ivan finally got to the races but it was worthwhile, as jockey Alan Kennedy brought the gelding from second-last on the turn to win by more than half a length, paying $15 on the tote.

Taylor, who spent time training in her hometown Albany in the 2018-2019 season, said she always knew the horse had plenty of upside.

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“He’s definitely starting to show his ability at this stage,” Taylor said.

“His last trial and win on Thursday have seen him really start to piece it all together and he will only improve from here.

“Going into the race, I thought he was showing enough in his trackwork to put in a good run, the win was just a bonus.

“I was over the moon to get my first city winner, it was a goal I had for myself this year.”

Taylor is training Cousin Ivan for Albany trainer Crump and owner-breeder Gibbs.

“I was originally sent the horse late last year so it could have some educational trials up here in Perth then I was contacted again at the start of May as the Albany season finished, to give him a few starts,” she said.

“Annette did a great job getting him ready with his first two trials for this preparation before he arrived at my stables.

“Annette and Grant have been very supportive of me and I appreciate the opportunity they have given me with a horse like Cousin Ivan.”

Taylor has 10 horses in her Forrestdale stable and said she will take a patient approach with Cousin Ivan.

“We have outlined a few races that should see him go up the grades all going well,” she said.

“Then he will go back home to Albany to mature a bit more.

“He’s a big horse and still has a lot of growing to do mentally and physically.”

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