Old Cheltenham allies win Monksfield Hurdle

Christy Roche's Falcon Crest under Barry Geraghty, gained Grade 2 glory at Navan today, easily landing the 'Monksfield' Novice Hurdle for the trainer's old ally and owner J.P. McManus.

The son of Milan moved into second spot with the fall of Dallas Cowboy at the second last flight before easily brushing aside earlier leader Moylisha Tim on the run-in, for an easy six and a half lengths win.

Falcon Crest made a winning hurdles debut at Fairyhouse recently and following today's facile win, Roche stated "he's a big, solid, sound horse to train and wasn't near another horse since he ran the last day.

"We just took a chance and let the race improve him, and it's done that. He has plenty of speed, and I'd be happier to have a better bit of ground."

Roche, whose association with McManus began on McManus's first horse Cill Dara in the 1977 Irish Cesarewitch, also quipped "there aren't too many options where to go next and the boardroom (owner McManus) will have a big say!"

Given Roche and McManus' previous Cheltenham successes with Khayrawani, Like-A-Butterfly and Youlneverwalkalone, interest in Falcon Crest's career is likely to heighten. The gelding today received a 20/1 quote for the Supreme Novices at Cheltenham with Betfair Sportsbook while Paddy Power introduced him at 20/1 for the Neptune Novices Hurdle, also at Cheltenham.

By Tom Weekes quotes from Alan Magee