UK STAR MONARCH A POSSIBLE KIRBY CHALLENGER

Ian Fortune

Bouncing Monarch is quickly building up a fine body of work in the UK since being sold across the Irish Sea after reaching the final of the Denis Linehan Solicitors Open Unraced 525at Curraheen Park last June.

On Saturday gone, he was challenging Droopys Aladdin at the third bend in the final of the Winter Derby at Monmore when the hare was stopped due to a greyhound jumping into the infield after taking a tumble on the turn. The re-run final will take place this Saturday coming at Monmore.

David Fradgley, his owner/ trainer, had every right to feel disappointed as the powerful son of Deerjet Sydney was certain to go close in the category one event but seemed very understanding when speaking to Phil Donaldson of the Racing Post.

There were a number of quotes from the Northern based handler but there were two lines that certainly caught our attention. After speaking of how highly he regarded his star, he suggested a tilt at the Con & Annie Kirby Memorial at Limerick was a possibility.

Said Fradgley, “Whatever happens on Saturday [in the re-run final], we have plenty of options ahead of us. There is a possibility we may take him back to Ireland for the Kirby Memorial as he is eligible. My brother lives in Ireland and I’ve also had a chat with Michael O’Donovan who I know well.

“That’s something we’ll decide on after Saturday’s race. I like running my dogs at Sheffield and Bouncing Monarch could be the type for the 3 Steps later in the year.”

It’s great to hear of a possible UK challenger for the Kirby Memorial. Of course, last year there were a couple in the opening round, while later in the year Proper Heiress reached the BOYLE Sports Derby decider so it is possible for the UK’s best and brightest to make an impact in our top competitions. If Bouncing Monarch is aimed at Limerick, I’m sure they will roll out the red carpet.