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)