Codd loses Festival fitness fight

Leading Irish amateur jockey Jamie Codd has failed in his race to be fit for the Cheltenham Festival.

Codd has, over the years, been a dependable go-to man for British trainers keen to utilise his skills – as evidenced by his two victories in the Kim Muir Handicap Chase aboard Character Building and Junior.

But despite having recovered from a broken femur sustained in October, a recent point-to-point fall means he must miss out next week.

Codd said: “I’m out of action, I’m afraid.

“I was only back a week, but I had a fall at Knockanard point-to-point on February 12.

“Although I rested it for a week, I still had some damage in my back and lost a bit of power in my leg.

“It’s a shame as I’d be fit in a couple more weeks, but I’ve ran out of time.

“Charlie Longsdon and David Pipe had both contacted me about riding next week, so I’d have probably had a few good rides, but that’s racing.”