Focus back on McDonogh in Juvenile

Fiscal Focus provided Des McDonogh with a welcome return to the big time when recording a 33/1 shock in the Knight Frank Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown. Kalkir was unsurprisingly a warm order as the 4/7 favourite for the Grade Two, having made a smooth start to his jumping career in a Grade Three at Fairyhouse last month, propelling him towards the top of the Triumph Hurdle market.

The Mullins runner moved well for much of the journey, but Fiscal Focus was travelling even better as he led rounding the home turn under Mikey Fogarty and he skipped over the last to win by two lengths, with Kalkir unable to make an impression.

The winner was making his jumping bow for McDonogh, having previously been trained by Jim Bolger on the Flat.

McDonogh said, "It's been a long time since Monksfield ran in this race. He probably had too much Christmas pudding and didn't run too well! I've not been to Cheltenham since 1987 and said I wouldn't go back unless I had a runner.

"I'll have to sit down and talk with Jim (Bolger) here tomorrow before we decide what to do. I've known Jim for many, many years and he's a great friend. He's been very good to me.

"He jumped great for his first run over hurdles, and has beaten the favourite for the Triumph Hurdle. I'm still in a bit of shock.

"Good horses are easy to train and he's come from a very good academy. He loves soft ground."

Paddy Power have introduced Fiscal Focus at 20/1 for the Triumph, with Boylesports even more impressed going just 14/1.

Both firms have eased out Kalkir from 6/1 out to 10/1.