Fairyhouse report: Double Grade One delight shows Jody McGarvey he can compete at top level

Jody McGarvey and trainer John 'Shark' Hanlon celebrate winning The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Novice Hurdle Championship Final with Skyace. Picture: INPHO/Morgan Treacy

Coleraine jockey Jody McGarvey had the day of his riding career on Easter Sunday at Fairyhouse when recording a Grade 1 double courtesy of Skyace and Janidil. The winning jockey tasted his only previous top-grade success aboard Great Field, at the 2017 Punchestown festival, but Skyace’s success was a breakthrough for trainer John ‘Shark’ Hanlon.

The mare, a bargain buy at just £600, proved herself teak-tough winning the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares’ Novice Hurdle. On the go since her winning hurdling debut in June of last year, she has clearly thrived with racing. A fine fourth in the Mares’ Novice Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival less than three weeks ago, she moved well just behind the pace this time and found plenty under pressure to fend off Gauloise, who travelled strongly to the second-last.