Game Point does it easily for the Codys

Placed on all four previous starts over flights, Game Point (4/11 favourite) gained a deserved victory in Wexford's Adare Manor Opportunity Maiden Hurdle over two miles and a furlong.

Owned by Ballygallon Stud (Ireland) Limited, the Blue Point gelding made all to score by 18 lengths from Sonas .

“It was a long time coming. That's actually the first time he's ever got his head in front, between the Flat and hurdling,” said winning trainer Ray Cody.

“He is a good horse but, for some reason, it's taken him this long to get his head in front.

“I honestly think that will do his confidence the world of good. There is plenty to come from him, he's a horse that I've always loved and I couldn't believe he hadn't won until now.

“Every time he ran I thought he might win, but at least he did it well today.

“I told Paddy (Cody, son) to pop him out and ride him like the best horse in the race, keep it simple.

“Since he ran the last day, I had him up with Robbie Power a couple of times, just to get him to be a big slicker over poles.

“Robbie did a great job with him and I'd say that was a big help to him. Even when he got in tight today, he was quick out over them.

“He will go back on the Flat but my long-term plan all along has been the Lartigue in Listowel. If he gets into that, that's where he'll run next.

“He'd be in off a very light weight and I could see him running very well there on a left-handed track.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson