Coventry and Bryan Cooper (nearside)© Photo Healy Racing
Bred by Coolmore and by Galileo out of 2008 Irish Oaks heroine, Moonstone, Coventry is related to plenty of class Flat performers all told. He didn’t show much aptitude at that game for Ballydoyle but he’s made a jumper as he showed when winning division two of the Boyne Valley Maiden Hurdle.
He got over his Fairyhouse fall from four weeks back to justify favouritism on his second start for Paul Nolan.
Bryan Cooper rode Nolan’s Cheltenham winner last week, Mrs Milner, and the Kerry man still had Ya Ya Baby to contend with from before the last aboard Coventry.
However Coventry (2/1) asserted well on the run-in to beat that rival by seven and a half lengths.
“He went to the line well. He doesn’t look too extravagant over a jump but he gets to the other side and he’s learning his way,” said Nolan.
“Hopefully he’ll improve. He still has his jewels and they don’t seem to be affecting him that much. Bryan said he could be better on a bit better ground.
“We’ll see if there is something for him in Punchestown. Stepping up in distance may benefit him and we’ll see what the handicapper does with him.”
B. Hayes, rider of Bergentown trained by Philip Fenton, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung right throughout.
(AM & EM)
