Lad lunges on run-in to score for Hanlon Tullyveery Lad stormed up the hill under Paddy Hanlon to land the spoils in the beginners chase at Downpatrick. The Ray Cody-trained gelding looked booked for second when Stockdale asserted over the last in the two-mile-seven contest but found another gear on the run-in. He reeled in the front-running mare and was going away at the death to record a comprehensive five-length success at odds of 4/1. The winner was switching back to fences today and recording his first success since taking a handicap hurdle at Gowran in October 2021. Cody said: "To be honest, it was a low-grade beginners' for horses rated 102 or less. It wasn't a strong race. "I thought he would have needed his last run, he had a good blow. I thought if he came on from that, he would be very competitive today. "Delighted he won and I'm delighted for Paddy Hanlon as I thought he gave him a great ride. He's only starting out, but he's a cool rider and horses run for him. "I'm delighted for the owners - my nephew (Raymond Micheal Cody) is involved with Pat (Tennyson) and Noel (Morrissey). "He is what he is but he's a fun horse. Summer tracks and he can mix it between hurdles (and fences)." (Quotes by Michael Graham)
