The Cunning Fox ends Stern Idol’s dominant run at Pakenham

The Cunning Fox has brought an end to Stern Idol’s domination at Pakenham, mowing down the giant jumper to claim the MJ Bourke Hurdle.

The Cunning Fox on his way to victory in the MJ Bourke Hurdle victory. Picture: Brett Holburt/Racing Photos via Getty Images

The Cunning Fox has brought an end to Stern Idol’s domination at Pakenham, mowing down the giant jumper to claim the MJ Bourke Hurdle (3200m).

The Ciaron Maher-trained Stern Idol was five from five at Pakenham heading into the two-mile affair but was deserted by punters, blowing in betting from $2.10 out to $3.90.

Plunge horse Affluential, crunched from $3.40 into $2.10, provided his backers with very little joy though, pulled out of the race at the halfway point.

With the favourite out of contention and Stern Idol bowling in front by about a dozen lengths under jockey Steven Pateman, it appeared the eight-year-old was poised to bring up win number 13.

However, The Cunning Fox never gave up the chase under the urgings of Tom Ryan, steadily eating into the margin before pulling clear after the last hurdle to score by five lengths.

The Cunning sweeps past Stern Idol & retains his perfect record over hurdles 💫

A thrilling edition of the MJ Bourke Hurdle 🏆@mj_paynepic.twitter.com/LJoNb8YVFk

— Racing.com (@Racing) April 13, 2025

“He’s like a little cat the way he can jump,” Ryan said of the Patrick and Michelle Payne-trained galloper.

The grey gelding carried 7kg less than Stern Idol who was out on his feet at the business end.

The Cunning Fox is now unbeaten in four jumps outings, with the Galleywood Hurdle during the famous Warrnambool carnival firmly on the agenda.

Stern Idol has now been beaten in two runs back from a break as Maher and connections weigh up a defence of his Brierly Steeplechase (3450m) crown at the ‘Bool.

The jumps program at Pakenham on Sunday marks an end to an era with racing over the sticks staged for the final time at the circuit.

Originally published as The Cunning Fox ends Stern Idol’s dominant run at Pakenham