Captain can lead the way for Mullins in Bobbyjo

Mullins saddles four of the 10 runners this time round and, while jockey bookings suggest Grangeclare West is the one to beat, stablemate Captain Cody might be able to get the better of him.

Sat, 21 Feb, 2026 - 06:23

Darren Norris

Captain Cody can enhance Willie Mullins’ incredible record in the BAR 1 Betting Bobbyjo Chase by giving the champion trainer a record-extending 15th win in Saturday’s Fairyhouse feature.

Having won nine of the last 10 renewals of this Grade Three, Mullins saddles four of the 10 runners this time round and, while jockey bookings suggest Grangeclare West is the one to beat, stablemate Captain Cody might be able to get the better of him.

It’s obviously not ideal that last year’s Scottish National winner comes here on the back of a fall in the Thyestes but the market confidence behind him that day — he was sent off the 7-2 favourite — suggests a big run was anticipated from a horse who began this season by finishing third to Romeo Coolio in a Grade One at Saturday’s venue.

The upside to his fall is it came early so he was spared a hard race on bottomless ground and that should stand to him in this gruelling assignment.

It’s also worth noting that of the Closutton Grand National contenders, only I Am Maximus is shorter than Captain Cody in the ante-post market.

He can strengthen his Aintree claims on Saturday.

In Grangeclare Castle, Captain Cody faces a rival who probably would have won last year’s Grand National but for a costly mistake at the last so he obviously warrants maximum respect.

However, having run a cracker when fourth in the Savills Chase at Christmas, he disappointed on his return to Leopardstown in the Irish Gold Cup earlier this month.

That poor run, the recency of it, and the fact his overall profile suggests he’s a better horse on better ground make him an opposable favourite here so Spanish Harlem, who unseated his rider having jumped the last in front in the Thyestes, might be the one to give Captain Cody most to think about.

Elsewhere on the card, Eagle's Quest can confirm Gowran form with All Night Revival in the Connolly's RED MILLS Irish EBF Auction Maiden Hurdle.

The Mags Mullins-trained six-year-old found only Champagne Jury too good at the Kilkenny venue last month and can go one place better here, chiefly at the expense of Gowran fourth All Night Revival.

The Grade Three William Hill Racing Bet Builder Chase, the feature race on Sunday’s Naas card, represents a decent opportunity for Captain Guinness to end a losing streak that stretches back to his Champion Chase success at the 2024 Cheltenham Festival.

The 11-year-old has found the going tough ever since but is unlikely to get a better chance to add another win to his card given Blood Destiny, his main market rival, is coming here on the back of disappointing effort at Fairyhouse last month.

The nap comes from the Pertemps Network Group Handicap Hurdle where the Emmet Mullins-trained Melbourne Shamrock, fourth at Navan last time out having finished a close second at Fairyhouse the time before that, can get his head in front.

And the Gordon Elliott-trained Lynches Knock, second at this venue last month can go one place better in the opening race, the William Hill Ireland Bet10 Get5 Maiden Hurdle.

Darren Norris' picks:

Fairyhouse (Saturday)

1.00 Eagle's Quest (NB)

1.30 Mode Avion

2.05 Our Uncle Jack

2.38 Teds Corner

3.15 Captain Cody (Nap)

3.45 Nelson County

4.20 Aine’s Lad

4.55 Look Me

Next best

1.00 All Night Revival