Monksfield memories evoked as Hearts Are Trumps scoops biggest pot of the day

The heady days of Monksfield might be gone too far into the distance for some readers to remember but Dessie McDonogh reminded us all that he can still do it at the big meetings as Hearts Are Trumps scooped the biggest pot of the day.

The RYBO Handicap Hurdle was worth €47,200 to the winner and, despite bringing form figures of 8070 into the race, Hearts Are Trumps swooped late to deny the fellow JP McManus-owned Magic Tricks who was unable to pull a rabbit out of the hat when challenged.

It was a shrewd piece of placing by McDonogh, who sent out Monksfield to win back-to-back Champion Hurdles in 1978 and 1979, and all roads now lead back to the Galway Hurdle where he will attempt to go one better than in 2020.

McDonogh said: "He deserved that, he's a smashing horse. He's very professional and jumped great. You can see the muck on his heels there so he'd even like it better. The ground made a huge difference today. He even went to Listowel after Galway last year and he was dead in the straight and he didn't like it.

"We'll aim him at Galway now and, if he arrives in Galway in the same form as that, it'll do."

Elimay wins on her off day

Winning ugly is certainly better than not winning at all and odds-on punters were breathing a big sigh of relief after the Listed Download The Boylesports App Mares Chase as Elimay managed to get the job done in rather workmanlike fashion.

Willie Mullins admitted afterwards that she may have still be feeling the effects of her exertions against Colreevy at Cheltenham.

Elimay (Mark Walsh) after winning the 2m5f Listed Mares ChaseCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

The winning trainer said: "It was hard work and she might have been feeling the effects of Cheltenham. She got the job done anyway so that was nice. We'll have a look at Punchestown but I think she's probably done enough for the season."

Mullins went on to complete a double when Lady Breffni stormed home to take the I.N.H Stallion Owners EBF Novice Handicap Hurdle Series Final under nephew Danny.

Mullins said: "Danny found himself a little further out than he wanted and he kept it all for one long run down the outside which was fantastic, rather than trying to get mixed up with the other horses. I was very happy for him."

Last-minute Lalor lands Ladies National

Ificudiwud won the McCauley Ladies National but he almost couldn't run at all as Noel Meade was frantically searching for a rider for him with the declaration deadline approaching.

Meade explained: "It was a close call. I said to Eddie [O'Leary] at 9.50am the other day that I couldn't get anyone to ride him and we'd be better not running him.

"Suddenly it dawned on me to try Liz [Lalor], who had rode in a few bumpers for me. She said she was supposed to be riding for Colin Motherway and only rang back at 9.57am to say she could ride. He was fresh and he jumped great for her. He's a funny horse as he doesn't like it fast and doesn't like it soft."

Party time for Central connections

Denise 'Sneezy' Foster says the world is Party Central's oyster after she justified favouritism in the Listed mares bumper.

The 6-4 shot, who looked unlucky when denied at the Dublin Racing Festival, duly obliged in taking fashion under Jamie Codd for owners Noel and Valerie Moran.

Foster said: "She's a gorgeous mare and the world is her oyster. I'm absolutely over the moon for Noel and Valerie Moran and they certainly have a lovely mare on their hands."

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