Loughran excels on Montero Backers of Montero, winner of the Crown Bar Beginners' Chase (div 1) at Wexford today, had Roger Loughran to thank as the rider needed to sit tight following a final fence hiccup, before galvanising his gelding to eventually win by a length and three parts over 9/4 favourite Maucaillou. Montero lead from the fourth last fence but was joined by Maucaillou on the run to the final fence, where the winner over-jumped and pecked badly on landing, almost presenting Maucaillou with the race. However, Montero battled well to eventually gain a deserved success. Afterwards winning trainer Dessie Hughes reported “Montero jumped great for a first time chaser but seemed to over-jump the final fence and Roger (Loughran) had to sit tight.” He added “he's only a handy sized horse and we were lucky this appeared to be the weaker division of the race. We may go back hurdling with him again now.”
