Captain Cody to be aimed at the Cheltenham Festival in honour of Michael O'Sullivan

The opportunity to honour Michael O'Sullivan at the Cheltenham Festival has prompted the majority owner of Captain Cody to aim the horse the National Hunt Novices' Handicap Chase rather than bypassing the fixture this year.

Trained by Willie Mullins, Captain Cody achieved a lifetime's ambition for Vincent Caldwell, who owns the horse in partnership with Angela Shamoon and Alexandra Shamoon Ibgi, when carrying his father's colours in the Champion Bumper at the festival two years ago.

However, last year connections opted to miss Cheltenham and were rewarded when Captain Cody landed a Grade 2 novice hurdle at the Fairyhouse Easter meeting, which had prompted thoughts of adopting a similar approach this spring over fences.

Captain Cody is the general 8-1 third favourite for the National Hunt Chase, which is being run this year as a handicap, on March 11. 

He has had three runs over fences, the last two under O'Sullivan, who died in hospital this month aged 24 after sustaining head injuries in a fall at Thurles on February 6. 

Two of the rider's finest moments in the saddle came at the Cheltenham Festival in 2023 when he landed the Supreme Novices' Hurdle on Marine Nationale and the Boodles Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle on Jazzy Matty.

Jazzy Matty won at the Cheltenham Festival in 2023 under Michael O'SullivanCredit: John Grossick

Caldwell, an internet betting pioneer, said he had been profoundly affected by O'Sullivan's death and wanted Captain Cody to be given the opportunity to shine for him at the festival.

He said: "We were thinking about whether or not to go to Cheltenham as he was sixth in the bumper two years ago and then missed the festival last year to go to Fairyhouse where he won. 

"But, the truth is, we're going with him this year because of Michael O'Sullivan. Michael rode him on his last two starts and gave him a lovely ride at Navan when he was just beaten a nose for second behind Three Card Brag, who's fancied for the Grand National. 

"I don't know how it sounds, but it's almost like Michael's spirit is with the horse and we have to let him shine at Cheltenham."

Captain Cody is yet to run beyond three miles over hurdles or fences but stayed on strongly under O'Sullivan on his most recent outing at Navan, where the seven-year-old finished in front of National Hunt Chase favourite Now Is The Hour.

"We don't know if he'll stay the trip but I think he's the one to beat if he does," Caldwell said. "We'll be receiving weight from the other market leaders and the way the race is now gives a horse like him a real chance."

National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices' Handicap Chase (5.20 Cheltenham, March 11)

Coral: 3-1 Now Is the Hour, 4 Haiti Couleurs, 8 Captain Cody, Katate Dori, Sa Majeste, Shannon Royale, Transmission, 10 Midnight Our Fred, 12-1 bar

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