Monksland may be stepped up to three miles

Noel Meade will consider stepping Monksland up to three miles on his next appearance following a fine run in defeat in the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle.

Third behind Simonsig at last season’s Cheltenham Festival, the five-year-old registered his third win from four starts over hurdles with a stylish display on his return to action at Down Royal.

Stepped back up to Grade One level at Fairyhouse on Sunday, he found only Zaidpour too strong under Paul Carberry and the Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown could be next on his agenda.