Jody Ted continues on an upward curve

Jody Ted recorded a fifth career win when successfully reverting to hurdles in the Pertemps Network Group Handicap Hurdle (Qualifier) at Punchestown.

The seven-year-old gelding, owned by Mark McDonagh and ridden by his son and namesake, ran a cracker here when runner-up to Kilcruit at the Festival in April and scored in good style on his reappearance at Limerick last month.

The well-backed 2/1 favourite, available at 9/2 overnight, led early in the straight and met the last on a perfect stride before being driven out to score by a length and a half. Gabbys Cross who was far from fluent at the final flight, took the runner-up spot with Alpesh Amin a further four lengths away in third.

Winning trainer Eoin Griffin said, “Off his chase rating you could say he’s thrown in but it doesn’t always work out that way. It’s pleasing to get it done.

“I was worried that it could turn into a bit of a messy race but he was just about okay. He was a little bit keen and in Mark’s hands most of the way round.

“He had a bit in the tank and stays well. It’s his first time completing a three-mile race so we’re happy with that and he’ll probably go to the Paddy Power (Chase) at Christmas.

“Off 134 hopefully he’ll get in, he would have the last couple of years and he’ll have a nice weight.

“He won a couple of races for us as a novice and then unfortunately picked up an injury. Last year when he came back he didn’t have a lot of experience and he’d days where he was a bit impatient.

“This year he’s been impeccable and is maturing with age. Hopefully it’s onwards and upwards for Christmas.”