Monalee jumps the last in front of The Storyteller© Photo Healy Racing
Henry de Bromhead completed a double on the card at Punchestown and took his tally to three winners on the day when Monalee landed the 2m6f maiden hurdle at Punchestown.
David Mullins’ mount stayed on best in the closing stages to record a length-and-three-quarters victory over The Storyteller
The Milan gelding had won a point-to-point and been placed in two bumpers prior to his hurdling debut today.
“I’m delighted with that. He’s a lovely horse and had a great run in a bumper here last year,” said de Bromhead.
“We bought him for Barry (Maloney) after he won his point-to-point first time out last January.
“He was second in two bumpers which is pretty good going for one of mine. We put him away then.
“The guys have always wanted a horse to go to Cheltenham and funny enough we could have two in this guy and Heron Heights.
“It was a super ride from David and he’s just a lovely horse, a real chaser in the making.”