Monbeg Park gets his head in front for deserved success

Monbeg Park has been knocking on the door in big races and finally found things going his way in the feature Listed QuinnBet Handicap Chase at Leopardstown.

Most recently third over course and distance at the Dublin Racing Festival, the Sean Doyle-trained eight-year-old was given a patient ride by rising star Tiernan Power Roche, who again looked fine value for his 5lb claim.

Roche gave his mount time to find his feet after a couple of untidy jumps down the back and turning for home he jumped powerfully to the front at the last. The 4-1 favourite did go to his left there and it got quite tight, but while Tyre Kicker gave chase, the market leader was a ready two and a half length scorer. A stewards’ inquiry was called, but the placings remained unaltered.

“He jumped very well and travelled a lot better today,” said Roche, who was handed a four-day suspension for careless riding.

“He quickened up well and had a bit left up his sleeve. He has loads of ability, it’s whether he wants to put it in on the day or not.”

Roche did not have to wait long to double his tally for the day, taking the following Dublin National Handicap Chase courtesy of Brandt (5-1) for trainer Cian Collins, who has eyes on another National.

He said: “There was plenty of pace on and we were confident he would stay. Every time Tiernan wanted him he picked up for him. The Ulster National is in a month’s time at Downpatrick and if he got into it, that would suit perfect. There is also a long-distance handicap at Punchestown.

“It was an unbelievable ride by Tiernan and he’s great value for the 5lb.”

Darcy’s Friend was heavily-backed as the 5-6 favourite in division two of the Cancer Fund For Children Charity Handicap Hurdle and his supporters were rewarded with a length and a half win over Moylussa.

He was having his first start for trainer Emmet Mullins, who said: “Looking at the betting it wasn’t just me that saw his point-to-point form and he galloped away through the line. The further he was going, probably the better he was going and we wouldn’t be afraid to stretch him out in trip.”

Mullins also had news of stable star Corbetts Cross, who was last seen finishing second to Pic d’Orhy in the Ascot Chase.

He said: “He’s surprisingly very good. I was worried coming home from Ascot as it was an end-to-end gallop and a fair test, but he’s bouncing and couldn’t be happier with the individual at the moment.”

Asked if all roads lead to the Gold Cup at Cheltenham, he added: “It’s still a bit off the confirmation stage, but I couldn’t be happier with him at the moment.”

Another deserved winner on the card was Thedevilscoachman (13-8 favourite) in the QuinnBet Hurdle.

Noel Meade’s nine-year-old had been second in Grade Two company on his previous two starts and took full advantage of this drop in class as he accounted for Meet And Greet by nine lengths under Mark Walsh, winning for the first time in nearly two years.

Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus, said: “It was nice to see him getting his head back in front. He’s a nice horse but has been a bit unlucky to bump into a few here and there.

“Mark said he travelled well and jumped great. It might not have been the strongest of races, but he got the job done.

“We’ll see what conditions races are there for him and he may go back over fences before the end of the season.”