Ballybough Native with winning trainer Ian McCarthy (left) and groom Eric Roche © Photo Healy Racing
Jamie Codd completed a quick double when 3/1 favourite Ballybough Native easily landed the Horse & Jockey Point-To-Point INH Flat Race.
Codd took his time on the Shirocco 5-year-old and, after moving smoothly into third on the home turn, the winner hit the front a furlong and a half out.
He was just nudged out then by Codd to win by 13 lengths from Dreal Deal’s half-brother Time Marches On (14/1) who had got in as a reserve.
It was a first ‘track’ winner for Ian McCarthy who combines race-riding with running a training operation near Kildangan Co. Kildare.
"I've always liked him," said McCarthy, "and obviously the preparation was to go point to pointing and he jumps very well. We always thought a lot of him and he is exciting - he has never let us down at home from day one."
"Richie Kerins, his owner, had another winning point to point mare with me so that's two from two. This horse will go to the sales now.
"That's my first racecourse winner and with the current restrictions I can run under my handlers' license, although I won't go for a trainers' license. I am happy to have a few point-to-pointers and turn them over and have a lot of young horses and a lot of pre-trainers.
"I've run three horses, two have won in point-to-points and this is the third horse."
Quotes from Thomas Weekes
