DOWN ROYAL WIN FOR JODY

LOCAL jockey Jody McGarvey was celebrating at the weekend after winning the Daily Mirror Maiden Hurdle at Down Royal on Monelissio.

A half-brother to those strong stayers, Jack The Bus (Troytown hero of 2010) and Power Pack Jack, Monelissio showed he can get the job done over the minimum trip by landing the opening hurdle at Down Royal under the local jockey.

©Press Eye Ltd Northern Ireland 16th March 2013 - Mandatory Credit - Picture by Matt Mackey/presseye.com

St Paddy's punters day at Down Royal race course, Lisburn.
The Daily Mirror maiden hurdle, race winner Monelissio jockeyed by Jody McGarvey. — ©Press Eye Ltd Northern Ireland 16th March 2013 - Mandatory Credit - Picture by Matt Mackey/presseye.com St Paddy's punters day at Down Royal race course, Lisburn. The Daily Mirror maiden hurdle, race winner Monelissio jockeyed by Jody McGarvey.

placeholder image — ©Press Eye Ltd Northern Ireland 16th March 2013 - Mandatory Credit - Picture by Matt Mackey/presseye.com St Paddy's punters day at Down Royal race course, Lisburn. The Daily Mirror maiden hurdle, race winner Monelissio jockeyed by Jody McGarvey.

He was fancied to do so as well, finding a starting price of 7/1 from an opening show of 10s.

From before the last, the victorious son of Helissio proved stronger than the favourite, Pyrus Gold Wind, the margin between the pair at the line being four and a quarter lengths.

McGarvey explained: “He did it well and he got the run of the race. I was always confident. When the favourite went by him it gave him a lead and then he filled up his lungs again.

“The ground is riding soft but it’s nice.”

Peter Casey trains Monelissio for the M R J Syndicate. Three of that four member grouping were present and they are from Ballinamallard, County Fermanagh.

A spokesperson said: “If he repeated his run from Fairyhouse two runs back we were hopeful of a place.”