Neptune firmly on Monksland agenda

Noel Meade reports the unbeaten Monksland to be firmly on course for the Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in a fortnight’s time.

Since winning by 11 lengths on his bumper debut at Down Royal in early November, the five-year-old made a winning start to his career over hurdles at Navan before running away with the Slaney Novice Hurdle at Naas. He is likely to encounter quicker conditions at the Festival than he has done so far this season, but his trainer does not expect that to be an issue.

“So far everything is OK with him and the Neptune is the plan,” said Meade.