Monbeg Park wins nicely under Slevin

JJ Slevin gave Monbeg Park a confident ride to take the SalesSense international Novice Hurdle in Punchestown.

The duo availed of a lovely seam entering the home straight to come between horses and they went on with Spillane's Tower before the last.

Slevin was still virtually motionless as his mount jumped the final flight with Spillane's Tower and his confidence was justified as his partner had plenty in the tank.

He soon led on the run-in and was pushed out to assert by a comfortable two and a-half lengths for trainer Sean Doyle.

The 15/8 shot picked up compensation for being demoted to second in the stewards' room after a valuable Grade A Handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse earlier in the month.

Spillane's Tower (16/1) kept on for second today with Uncle Phil 11 lengths adrift in third at 14/1.

Owner Donnchadh Doyle said: “He got a lovely ride, he travelled into it lovely and he was very impressive.

“Hopefully we'll have a nice horse to go over fences next year.

“He had a little problem and we couldn't sell him, but we're getting a right run out of him and hopefully next year we'll get another bit of fun.

“He's very big and he'll have to come on for jumping a fence.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson