Monk has winning habit

Meade ace bags Grade Two prize

Last updated: 2nd November 2012  

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Noel Meade - March 2010

Noel Meade: Winning trainer

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Monksland managed to overcome an untidy leap at the last to make a winning seasonal reappearance in the Grade Two WKD Hurdle.

Last seen when finishing third behind Simonsig at the Cheltenham Festival, Noel Meade's charge had won his two previous outings over hurdles and was sent off the 4/5 favourite to strike gold here.

One Cool Shabra tried to make all but he was headed by Miley Shah some way from home, while Monksland was travelling smoothly in behind for Paul Carberry.

He made his move with two left to jump and Monksland pulled clear in style before clattering the final obstacle.

That mistake gave Joxer a glimmer of hope, but Monksland showed his class as he pulled clear again.

Meade said: "I had it in my head to go chasing with him, but Seamus (Hunt) said I was mad as he has had only three hurdle runs.

"My assistant trainer and travelling head lad also go into my ear about it so we went hurdling.

"He jumped a bit moderately and he missed the last one. He got a bit tired in the end. I know he gets two and a half miles so we'll step him up to that next time."