Busty gains valuable Grade 2 success

After just going down by two heads at Cork last time out, Busty Brown (5/1) gained valuable compensation this afternoon as he took the Grade 2 Irish Form Book 'Monksfield' Novice Hurdle.

Ridden by Paul Carberry and trained by Noel Meade, the 6yo son of Mr Combustible was formerly trained by Pat Fahey but had his first start for Meade at Roscommon in October when winning his maiden hurdle.

On his next start he disappointed in a Grade 3 Novice Hurdle at Limerick where he finish a well beaten third behind Zuzka.

He then ran very well at Cork to finish third behind Our Vinnie over three miles and dropped back in trip to two and a half miles today he kept on best away from the last to score by two and a half lengths at the line.

The Dessie Hughes trained Seefood (5/2), who was going for his fourth win in-a-row, had to settle for second under Bryan Cooper while the 9/4 favourite Bonisland faded in the straight to finish a further two lengths back in third under Davy Russell for Gordon Elliott.

Noel Meade said afterwards: "The fact he stays so well was a big help to him today.

"He was very free but he has learned to settle now and you can ride a race on him. He is just improving.

"I had intended to go to Cork for the three mile hurdle there (Grade 3 Cork Stayers Hurdle on December 9th) but that may come a bit soon."

The winner is owned by the Murphy brothers of Sean, Gerard and Michael who are from Galway.

Gerard and Michael were present for the win today.

Bookmaker Stan James have introduced the winner at 16/1 in the betting for the Albert Bartlett Novice Hurdle at Cheltenham in March.

(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)