Captain Jimmy and Philip Donovan© Photo Healy Racing
Captain Jimmy belied his 22/1 starting price to land Punchestown's 21-runner National Trial Day 19th February Handicap Hurdle today, with third-placed One Horse Army failing to land a gamble.
The Padraig Roche-trained One Horse Army was backed from morning price 33/1, opened 14/1 on the show, before returning 5/1 second-favourite. The gambled horse raced with the pace but once Captain Jimmy went clear before the straight, had no answers, although finished well for each-way supporters.
Captain Jimmy is trained by three-time Cheltenham festival and dual Galway Hurdle winning trainer Pat Kelly and winning jockey Philip Donovan later reported “Pat and his son Tony had him in good old order. He's a horse that likes to be kept fresh.
“He was actually entered for the chase yesterday but they opted to go for the hurdle with the lower weight and I'm glad it paid dividends. He likes to run fresh and it felt like he only jumped-in going to the second last.
“He's ten years of age now and likes to be kept happy. When he decides to go, you have to cajole him along and let him think he's the big man.
“I'm delighted for Pat and the team.”
Quotes from Gary Carson
