Henry de Bromhead enjoyed a one-two in the Surehaul Mercedes-Benz Novice Hurdle at Clonmel, as Monty’s Star booked his Cheltenham ticket in claiming a first career victory ahead of better-fancied stablemate Hiddenvalley Lake.
Monty’s Star had finished second in a Navan maiden on his jumping debut last month, subsequently coming into the Clonmel Grade Three as a 7-1 chance under Sean Flanagan with Hiddenvalley Lake the 8-13 favourite.
Under Rachael Blackmore Hiddenvalley Lake led at a canter as Monty’s Star stayed in his slipstream until the field turned for home.
