Mount Benbulben conquers another challenge

Easy to back Mount Benbulben collared long-time leader Rebel Fitz to take a competitive renewal of the Grade 2 ‘Monksfield’ novice hurdle at Navan.

Ruby Walsh looked to have his five rivals in trouble as Rebel Fitz (4/1) set sail for home but Davy Condon got a great tune out of Mount Benbulben (15/8 out to 5/2) after the last to win going away by a-length-and-a-half.

This was his fifth win from eight starts and trainer Gordon Elliott was suitably pleased with his effort over two-and-a-half-miles. He said: “He’s a nice horse and he’s very tough. He’s got a fair engine and going further will be no problem.

“We’ll look for something over Christmas for him and we’ll see how he comes out of this race. We wouldn’t go any shorter. He stays very well. He could run here on December 18th in a Grade 1 over two-and-a-half-miles.”

He was subsequently cut from 25/1 to 14/1 for the Neptune and from 20/ to 12/1 for the Supreme Novices Hurdle, both at Cheltenham, by Stan James.

There was a gamble on Charlie Swan’s Make A Track from 12/1 on course to 7/1. He was 11 lengths back in third.

Unbeaten Texas Jack couldn’t find the extra gear needed today as the race hotted up. He came home fourth and was returned 9/4 favourite. Trainer Noel Meade said: "He wasn't right from flagfall. Paul wasn't happy on him. He blew very hard afterwards. He didn't jump and it just wasn't his run.

"We were woried a little about going left handed because he has hung in the past. We'll take him home and investigate. There's obviously something hurting him and you won't see him out again until we find it."

Punters also latched on to Jetson (9/1 in the morning, opened 6/1 at the track and went off 4/1) but he made no impression in fifth place.

Michael Graham