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Tom Weekes

Tom Weekes

Kelly collects as gamble is defeated

Mon 16th Jan 2023, 16:23

Captain Jimmy and Philip DonovanCaptain 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

About Tom Weekes
A lifelong racing fan, Tom began writing point to point reports in 2002 and has reported for irishracing.com since 2003, when he joined Irish Racing Services - since taken over by the Press Association. Has ridden a point to point winner and won the 2018 Irish Field Naps Table.