Optional Mix scoots in for Doyle & Cody

The versatile Optional Mix (3/1) made all in the mares' handicap hurdle under Emily Cody and scooted away from her pursuers between the final two flights to score by fifteen lengths from Whiskey Lullaby

It was a second win over hurdles for the six-year-old whose previous two victories had been over fences.

For Cody, 21, it was a second win under Rules to go with four point-to-point successes.

Winning trainer Eoin Doyle said: "She is keeping the yard going for the winter and is a great mare. She was back over hurdles today and is probably a stronger, better mare this year.

"She had a lower mark over hurdles so we had to use it and Emily gave her a great ride and was claiming the 7lb. Jerry (Hughes) owns her and would like to breed from her so we might look for a bit of blacktype - she is worth a chance at it as she is one of the most consistent mares in training.

"Emily's uncle Ray (Cody, trainer) worked with me for years so this is great. We are all local and it is great to get a winner at the Christmas festival."

Quotes from Tom Weekes