Court Jester gains deserved handicap win

Court Jester gained an overdue second success in the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle at Navan today, winning for trainer Sammy Wilson and jockey Jody McGarvey.

Court Jester's previous win came at Down Royal on St Stephen's Day 2012 and it was at that venue 11 days ago that the gelding was beaten a short head. Today, the son of Pushkin prevailed by three parts of a length from Rafi De Triana

Following today's win, Wilson stated “I didn't think he'd handle the ground here as he's lightly made up but that win is long overdue! He was very unlucky at The Maze (Down Royal) when he was beaten on the bob of a head and got 4lbs for that; he's a good fun horse.”

By Thomas Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson