SQUARED FINANCIAL

CHRISTMAS HURDLE

(GRADE 1)

A MEMORABLE afternoon for Gigginstown House Stud and Bryan Cooper also saw the Sandra Hughes-trained Lieutenant Colonel pick up the Grade 1 Squared Financial Christmas Hurdle in a rousing finish which thrust him into the World Hurdle reckoning.

Fresh from his especially poignant and heart-warming triumph in the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse, Lieutenant Colonel was looking to copper fasten his status as a genuine Grade 1 performer.

This three-mile contest represented a further rise in class for the five-year-old but he rose to the challenge in fine style to yet again vindicate the high regard in which he was held by the late Dessie Hughes.

He saw out the trip in especially game fashion to again account for Jetson, who had given him most to do in the Hatton’s Grace, and there can be little doubt that he is a legitimate World Hurdle contender.

Ladbrokes took note of this performance and are a shortest priced 10/1 about the Kayf Tara gelding for Cheltenham.

Meanwhile the same firm introduced Jetson at 16/1 for Cheltenham after Jessica Harrington confirmed that the World Hurdle was on the runner-up’s agenda.

Throughout the race Lieutenant Colonel tracked the front running Jetson and this duo then settled down to a titanic battle in the straight. Both gave their all and, for a period, it looked as if the diminutive Jetson might cling on as had confirmed stamina reserves to rely on.

Lieutenant Colonel edged ahead jumping the last though and dug deep on the run-in to maintain a slender advantage, eventually succeeding by three quarters of a length.

On his first start since winning this race two years ago Monksland made a superb return to action in staying on well to finish a further five lengths back in third. The English raider and 7/2 favourite At Fishers Cross was fourth following a ragged round of jumping.

“That was fabulous. He’s a very good horse and we thought that he would stay and we’re delighted with that performance. He’s a very economical jumper who stays well and he has a touch of class,” exclaimed a delighted Sandra Hughes.

“It’s great for the yard and all the lads at home as this is what we get up for every day. The plan is now to head for the World Hurdle and whether he runs again I’m not sure. We’ll get him home and see how he is and I’ll talk to Michael and Eddie (O’Leary) about what to do next.”

Noel Meade was very pleased with the efforts of Monksland who is also in the World Hurdle picture and the trainer will look to give him one more run beforehand.