Monkshood opens jumping account in style Monkshood galloped his rivals into submission to get off the mark over timber in the two-mile six maiden hurdle at Downpatrick. Jack Kennedy jumped out in front on the Gigginstown gelding, who was sent to post an 8/13 shot on his return to action. Gordon Elliott's charge had his rivals on the stretch after the second last and was asked to lengthen by Kennedy going to the final flight. He galloped on strongly up the hill and could afford to ease down close home for a three length success over 25/1 shot Whispering Affair. The winner was last seen taking a Clonmel bumper in February and had been third over hurdles at Navan prior to that. "He's actually a nice horse. We have plenty of horses backed up to run in maiden hurdles so we said we better start running a few of them,” said Elliott. "He's a big chaser in the making and will be a grand horse. Whatever he does will be a bonus before he goes jumping fences. He'll stay all day." (Quotes by Michael Graham)
