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.

"I thought he ran a good race and we might step him up to three miles now at Christmas. We haven't made a definite decision but that's an option for us," said Meade.

"He's still lightly raced and apart from Cheltenham, yesterday's race was the first time he's been really up against it. I thought he jumped well and finished off his race well, so I'm pleased."

Meade was more disappointed with the performance of Ned Buntline, who could only finish second when long odds-on for his hurdling debut at Fairyhouse on Saturday.

The trainer talked about the four-year-old in glowing terms after he bolted up in a Naas bumper last month, but a lacklustre round of jumping meant he failed to live up to expectations on his hurdles bow.

"I don't think that was the Ned Buntline I know," said the trainer.

"His jumping was a bit disappointing, he was a bit novicey and maybe running him over two and a quarter (miles) wasn't the best thing to do. He seems fine since the race and we'll just have to see if anything comes up in the next week or so, but I doubt that was his true running.

"We'll probably wait until Christmas time with him now."

13 May 2013

Fabre confirms Ocovango for Epsom
Aspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
Style wins the day in Paris
Highclere double-handed for Dante
Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout

12 May 2013

No hurry for Jammy plans
Guest in hunt for more Ascot glory
Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
Ascot drama for Fanning

11 May 2013

Felix foot-perfect on fencing debut
Cavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory

10 May 2013

Telescope focus is on Dante
Blinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests