CODY FLIES TO MIDLANDS DERBY GLORY

Ian Fortune

Foulkscourt Cody justified favouritism in emphatic fashion in the final of the Kilbride Kennels Midlands Derby at Mullingar on Saturday night, posting a brilliant 30.41 in the process.

The 6-4 favourite after a wonderful semi-final victory, his many followers had little to worry about in the decider. Pat The Doc may have flashed from trap two to dictate the pace into the bend but Foulkscourt Cody was soon on terms and asserted on the bend. 

What followed was hugely impressive. Stretching clear down the back straight, Niall Deegan’s son of Good Cody and Foulkscourt Peg had his rivals chasing shadows. Great credit must go to Pat The Doc, who ran on strongly to close on the leader on the run in but there was never a point where Foulkscourt Cody looked in danger of surrendering the lead.

Powering to the line, Niall Deegan’s February ’24 whelp hit the line three lengths to the good with Pat The Doc going out on her shield in second. There was a further eleven length gap to Ballyfore Blonde in third.

The winner, a recent purchase at the Kilkenny sales (see separate story), is clearly in exceptional form and will now have to step up in grade. Given the fact that his winning time was the joint second fastest ever recorded at the midlands venue, he is perhaps ready for a tougher test.