Jamie Codd is ready to get down to his lowest riding weight in close to 17 years for one ride on Monday. It really could be a tip in itself. He has been booked to partner The Big Dog in the BoyleSports Irish Grand National.
Currently best-priced 11-1 with bet365, this horse’s mark of 145 means he will carry just 10st 5lb in the Easter feature at Fairyhouse Racecourse. That will hinge on Tiger Roll’s participation as he is the current top weight.
The leading amateur got down to his lowest weight of the season when giving The Big Dog a fantastic ride to land the Punchestown Grand National Trial in February off 10st 11lb.
You have to go way back to 2004 to find the last time Jamie rode a horse at 10st 5lb or less. That was when finishing third aboard Sue N Win at the now closed Tralee Racecourse in 2004.
“I couldn’t be any happier with him,” said Peter Fahey of his lightly raced eight-year-old runner. The trainer couldn’t be in better form after a breakthrough win at the Cheltenham Festival.
Irish Grand National card and betting
“It’s a race that can suit an improving novice and when he went into handicap company he improved – the faster-run race helped him.”
He added: “This race has always been at the back of our minds for him this season. Initially we had been thinking about the Thyestes Chase but he didn’t get in as a reserve.
“He’s one for those good handicaps and there’s none better than the Irish National. Fingers crossed he puts in a big run. I’d like a little bit of rain, once the ground is safe he’ll run.
“Jamie is going to do the weight on him. He might be hoping that Tiger Roll doesn’t run to bring the weights up, but I’ll be hoping for the lightest weight possible!”
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