Monksland and Sean Flanagan lead Roi Des Francs and Bryan Cooper home© Photo Healy Racing
< Monksland made a smooth transition to fences in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase at Gowran Park.
Noel Meade's charge is a triple Grade Two winner over the smaller obstacles and could achieve a similar standard in this sphere, judging by his length-and-a-half defeat of Roi Des Francs
He quickened away early in the straight and although the runner-up tried to close the gap on the run-in, Sean Flanagan always appeared to have matters in control on the 5-2 shot.< Smashing outclassed the opposition on his reappearance in the Morrison BMW Chase.
The 8-11 favourite kept excellent company as a novice and that quality shone through as he made most of the running in the hands of Johnny Burke to see off Followmeuptocarlow by four and a half lengths.< Stone Hard had to dig deep to complete a treble for Willie Mullins on the card in the Race That Stops A County Thyestes Jan 21st 2016 Maiden Hurdle, but the race could turn out to be very informative.
The even-money market leader pulled out more when challenged by Don't Touch It after jumping the last slicker, and he scored by two lengths, with another decent prospect in Supasundae third.< American Tom justified odds of 8-15 on his first start for Mullins in the Join Gowran Park Golf Club For 499 Novice Hurdle, but his task was made considerably easier by Neverushacon and Gunnery Sergeant crashing out at the penultimate obstacle.
That paved the way for American Tom, who was in third at the time, to coast home six and a half lengths ahead of Squouateur
His stablemate Footpad another French recruit, did what was expected of him on his Irish debut in the www.gowranpark.ie 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle, with Paul Townend making all for a facile six-and-a-half-length success.< Court Challenge (11-1) broke her duck in the Gowran Park Racing Club Membership 2016 For 125 Mares Handicap Hurdle, while Malt Gem defied top weight in the Irish Racing Yearbook Handicap Chase.
