Asterion holds off returning Monkfish

Smart chaser Asterion Forlonge (11/8 fav) landed the Grade 2 Rathbarry & Glenview Studs Hurdle in the hands of Paul Townend.

The grey showed the benefit of last month's comeback run at Thurles when travelling up well from just off the pace to head front-running Beacon Edge at the second last. Fellow nine-year-old Monkfish on his first start for almost two years, moved into second on the run the last and gave chase to the winner on the run-in but was held by half a length in a one-two for trainer Willie Mullins.

Assistant trainer David Casey said:- “We're delighted with him, he improved plenty for his run in Thurles and I think he'll improve plenty from today as well.

“He did everything right, he's had his issues and we're delighted to get his head back in front today.

“He's in the Stayers Hurdle at Punchestown and the plan at the moment is to keep him over hurdles for the time being. All going well I'd imagine he'll go there.”

On Monkfish he added:- “We're thrilled with him. He had plenty of build up work done but he'll improve again for it. Hopefully he'll be sound enough to go to Punchestown as well, he's in the same race.

“The idea is to keep him over hurdles for the end of the season and then maybe go back chasing next year. Hopefully he'll come out of it well and we're absolutely thrilled with the way he ran.”

Quotes from Gary Carson