MONARCH SET FOR KIRBY MEMORIAL CHALLENGE

Ian Fortune

A few weeks back we highlighted the fact that those connected to Bouncing Monarch, a finalist in the Winter Derby at Monmore, were potentially targeting a crack at the Con & Annie Kirby Memorial.

Speaking to the Racing Post yesterday, Kinsley trainer Dave Fradgley confirmed that the dog will take his place in the Limerick showpiece and has joined Michael O’Donovan ahead of Monday’s draw.

Said Fradgley to Phil Donaldson of the Racing Post, “The Monmore final was one of those races which just didn’t go his way. He was slow out and then couldn’t find his way past Toddys Wolf.

“But he’s in great shape and we decided to give Limerick a go. You only get one shot at a race like this and we think he’s capable of making an impact.

“I travelled over with him on Tuesday and he’s staying with top trainer Michael O’Donovan, who is based about an hour from the track in Tipperary.

“Unfortunately it took longer than I thought to get the paperwork sorted and he had to miss his official trial at Limerick on Wednesday, but he’s since had an unofficial spin round and Michael was delighted with the run – so much so he asked my brother if the dog was for sale!

“The dog is a great traveller and he’s in great hands with Michael and has settled in quickly. I’ll be travelling over to watch him run and we’re very hopeful he can go well in the competition.”