Blackmore dominates as 'Percy' fails to show at Gowran

For many racegoers Saturdays meeting at Gowran Park was like Hamlet without the Prince as the Cheltenham Gold Cup favourite Presenting Percy failed to make his expected appearance in the featured Grade2 Red Mills Chase.

However, into the breach stepped Rachael Blackmore who rattled off a three-timer that included the featured contest aboard Monalee.

After opening his chasing account when defeating Al Boom Photo at Leopardstown before finishing second to Presenting Percy in the RSA Chase at Cheltenham, Monalee showed his well-being this term with some fine displays which included a second place effort behind Kemboy in the Grade1 Savills Chase at Leopardstown over the Christmas period.

Ms Blackmore took no prisoners as she sent her mount into the lead right from the drop of the flag, his jumping was fast and accurate apart from a slight error at the final fence but he had enough in reserve to defeat last years Gold Cup third Anibale Fly by a comfortable two lengths.

Trainer Henry de Bromhead subsequently expressed himself as being 'very pleased' by the performance but will wait until nearer the time before making a decision about which race he will be his target at Cheltenham. There is no doubt but Monalee probably deserves a crack at the Gold Cup, however, a more realistic option would be the Ryanair Chase where he would be a banker for the many pilgrims from this country.

 

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