Mangan upbeat about Monty

FOLLOWING the defections of Rince Ri and Timbera earlier this week from Saturday’s Martell Cognac Grand National at Liverpool, Jimmy Mangan yesterday issued an upbeat bulletin on last year’s Aintree hero, Monty’s Pass.

“The horse is one hundred per cent and leaves from Dublin at 2.00 this afternoon”, reported Mangan. “I’m praying First Gold stays in the race. My horse has gone up 15lbs since last year and weight will be his biggest problem.”

First Gold, on top of the handicap with 11-12, 5lbs above Monty’s Pass, has been declared to run in the Martell Cognac Cup Chase at the opening stage of Aintree today.