THERE were sharply contrasting fortunes for several title chasing jockeys at Kilbeggan’s opening fixture of the year as Rachael Blackmore pulled back another winner in her quest to chase down Paul Townend, while Patrick Mullins now leads Jamie Codd by two after the latter met with a bizarre reversal in the opener.

Firstly to Codd who passed the post in front on Mylestown Upper in the first divide of the extended two-mile–three-furlong maiden hurdle. The 5/6 favourite reached the line a nose in front of the Sean Flanagan-ridden Hymie Weiss and it was hard to discern what interference had taken place between the first two.