Monksland creates a big impression

Monksland is a best-priced 25/1 for Cheltenham’s Neptune Investments Novice Hurdle following a fluent victory over Lyreen Legend and Dedigout in the Grade 2 Slaney Novice Hurdle in Naas yesterday.

Confidently handled by Paul Carberry, the Noel Meade trained five-year-old came from off the pace to score readily by four and a half lengths, attracting quotes for his Cheltenham target ranging from 16/1 (Ladbrokes) to Paddy Power’s offer of 25/1.

Monksland is trained by Noel Meade, who declared: “That went exactly to plan. We thought he’d win. He’s just a very good horse.”