Killowenly Boy landed the Garryrichard Stud Tetratema Cup but had to survive a final fence mistake as Jamie Codd did well to keep the partnership intact at Gowran Park this afternoon. 20-year-old Codd, recording his third winner under rules following a bumper and hurdle success, was shot out of the saddle after the James Burns-trained gelding hit the last. However, he held on grimly and kept the seven-year-old going to hold on by one length from long-time leader Sober Performance.
Clear championship leader Paul Carberry was also seen to good effect aboard Aughawillan in Division 3 of the maiden hurdle. The Meathman was hard at work from a long way out, but his persistence paid off as the gelding led before the last to beat Go On Eileen by one-and-a-half lengths. Trainer Noel Meade revealed afterwards: "He races very lazily, and Paul gave him a great ride. He wants good ground, and will probably go chasing soon."
Meanwhile, Golfeur made all under Barry Geraghty in Division 2, staying on strongly from two out to beat the flattering Gimme Gimme by four lengths. Copernicus was another front-runner to collect in the novice chase, shrugging off the challenge of Michael Mor after the last to score by four lengths in the hands of John Cullen. Trainer Pat Hughes later suggested he may be involved in the upcoming Punchestown Festival.
Elsewhere, 22-year-old Roddy MacKenzie from Tyrone partnered his second winner when Mary's Madera held the challenge of Dangerousdanmagru by one length in the handicap hurdle. Favourite backers started and finished the day on the right note, with The Young Bishop leading before the straight to take Division 1 of the maiden hurdle. Finally, well-backed odds-on shot Glenhaven Nugget stormed clear in the closing stages for Philip Fenton to take the bumper.
Filed by Shane Murray
