Copernicus caused a massive upset in the Woodlands Park 100 Poplar Square Chase when seeing off hot 4/9 favourite Native Upmanship at Naas today. The Pat Hughes trained 4/1 shot led from flag fall under an enterprising ride from Paul Carberry to deny Native Upmanship a winning seasonal debut.
The talented novice hurdler had the benefit of a recent run at Punchestown while lack of race fitness may have beaten the Arthur Moore-trained gelding Le Coudray made amends for falling on his chasing debut at Cork, by drawing clear from the last in the 2m Beginners Chase to score by a comfortable nine lengths.
The 11/10 favourite jumped soundly throughout for Barry Geraghty and afterwards a relieved Christy Roche said: 'There's been a lot wrong with him lately. He jumped great and well run him next weekend either in England or Fairyhouse. Geraghty later doubled up when partnering Precious Music (10/1) to victory in the Paddy Power Handicap Chase. Absent from the track since September last year, Ger Farrells charge made all the running to come home a tired 3 1/2L winner. Former Cheltenham hero Sausalito Bay finished sixth on his first run for almost two years.
Former champion Barry Geraghty moved onto the 39 winner mark for the season when completing a treble aboard the gambled-on Kicking King. Tom Taaffes charge, returned 4/1 from 5/1, scored by four lengths from Khetaam.
Filed by James McMahon
