Captain Cody and Jody Townend recorded a notable success in Grade 2 company at Fairyhouse. © Photo Healy Racing
Captain Cody provided jockey Jody Townend with a notable success when staying on best to win the Grade 2 Paddy Kehoe Suspended Ceilings Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse.
The young Cork woman, who had previously won a bumper and maiden hurdle on the horse, was recording her first Graded race win over jumps against professional jockeys.
Held up in the early stages of this contest as Champagne Admiral cut out the running, Townend moved closer on the outside of the field as her stablemate Loughglynn took up the running entering the straight.
Captain Cody led at the second last, where another Mullins runner Anotherway took a crashing fall when staying on from off the pace. With Loughglynn untidy at the last, Townend was able to stretch clear to record a comfortable six-and-a-half-length success.
The winning jockey said: "I couldn't believe how well he travelled the whole way. He jumped like a buck apart from that mistake at the last.
"The owner texted me during the week and said that I could ride the horse if Paul wasn't going to. I can't thank him enough."
Willie Mullins added: “Jody kept her horse out of trouble, kept him balanced and jumping, all the things you’d want in a young jockey.
“She’s always there, rides winners all the time for us and when you consider how light she is. She must have to carry a stone and a half of lead every day.”
Additional reporting by Alan Magee.
