MONBEG BE THY NAME
MONBEG NOTORIOUS landed a substantial gamble giving Gordon Elliott and teenager Jack Kennedy a first Goffs Thyestes Chase victory in Gowran Park.
The novice, smashed in the betting from 6/1 to 7/2 favourite, edged ahead at the third last fence and stayed on dourly through the demanding, heavy ground to beat Wounded Warrior by 11 lengths with another Elliott candidate Space Cadet third and Thunder And Roses fourth.
While Elliott was enjoying Thyestes success for the first time, Monbeg Notorious became a second winner of the race for Gigginstown House Stud, successful with Siegemaster in 2011 and responsible for the winner, runner-up and fourth yesterday.
“It’s brilliant to win a Thyestes,” declared a jubilant Elliott. “I think we’ve won all the big staying handicaps chases
now. It was this horse’s first handicap, which was a bit of a worry. But it all worked out well, and it’s great when it does.
“He jumped well today and it suited having a horse in front of him. In his beginners chases, he was a bit lairy in front. And, the last day, when he won in Punchestown, he jumped the fences like they were on fire.
“It’ great for everyone – myself, Gigginstown and for Jack – he took a few slaps at Christmas and this is a big boost for him.”
Elliott added: “This horse wants soft going, although maybe not that heavy, and is a big galloper. He might be a horse for the Boylesports Irish Grand National.”
And Jack Kennedy (pictured with the trophy, below) added: “He travelled great today and all he does is stay.”
Back over hurdles, the Pat Kelly-trained Presenting Percy (Davy Russell) proved a convincing winner of the chief supporting race, the Grade 2 John Mulhern Galmoy Hurdle, staying on strongly to beat Augusta Kate by five and a half lengths.
“He did well on the ground – he hates it,” said Kelly, who has options for Presenting Percy, with Cheltenham’s RSA Chase his obvious target, with or without another run – he could take in the Grand National Trial at Punchestown on February 11 on his way to the Festival.