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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Cody and Browne McMonagle at double with Navagio

Sat 29th Jul 2023, 17:25

Navagio, near side, beats the favourite Didn'thavemuchtodoNavagio, near side, beats the favourite Didn'thavemuchtodo
© Photo Healy Racing

Ray Cody and Dylan Browne McMonagle double up at Gowran Park via Navagio in the concluding SP Or Better With The Tote Race.

The 5/1 shot chased 11/8 favourite Didn'thavemuchtodo into the final furlong and took a fractional lead into the final 150 yards.

The favourite fought back, but Navagio had his measure by a head in this five-runner race over an extended nine furlongs.

“That's my first double, which is mighty. That's a pleasant surprise with that lad,” said Cody.

“I knew he'd handle the ground no bother and maybe the trip. Dylan said after the last day at the Curragh over seven to maybe go up in trip.

“He got the trip today and he battled. He travelled fierce well so I'm thrilled with him.

“On ratings, I honestly thought fourth was the best we could do today. He was meeting three horses wrong, but it just goes to show on that ground.

“He seemed to love a good ease in the ground and the race worked out great for him. Often these races don't turn out the way you'd be expecting and that's why we let him take his chance in a small field.

“He's going to the sales and that's probably his last run for me. He'll be going to Newmarket for the horses-in-training sale. After today he's going home for a break and then to the sales.”

Cody and Browne McMonagle were earlier successful with Lady Lunette in the fillies' and mares' maiden.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

About Michael Graham
Michael has worked in horse racing journalism for more than 15 years, having also written a weekly betting column on Gaelic football and hurling for a newspaper. He is involved in writing the My Racing Story features on this website. He spent a year in South Africa completing a Diploma in Business Administration and also studied Newspaper Journalism in Belfast. He enjoys playing 5-a-side football on a regular basis.