Jamie Codd is back to within one of Patrick Mullins in the battle to be champion amateur after winning the Kilbegganraces.com Maiden Hurdle (division one) on odds-on favourite Buddy Rich (8/13).

On his second start for the Denise Foster yard, the eight-year-old Rock Of Gibraltar gelding belatedly and deservedly got off the mark, beating 66/1 chance Goldwin Magic by five and a half lengths.

“He’d good experience and we’d have been disappointed if he hadn’t done that. It’s for a new owner (John Keegan) in the yard and it’s nice for him to do that,” said Codd.

“He loves the ground and he’ll jump a fence as well. He’s a fine big horse. He’s a better kind of summer horse.”

When asked about a possible appeal after Mylestown Upper was demoted yesterday, the Wexford man reflected: “I won’t be appealing (the stewards decision to reverse places in the maiden hurdle here on Thursday).

“It’s the swings and roundabouts of racing and you have to take those things on the chin and move on. Today is another day.”

P.J. Carberry, rider of Hockworthy Flyer trained by Andrew McNamara, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung left throughout and badly in the last circuit.

(AM & EM)