Cheltenham 2021: Day 2 was rather quiet from a Co.Wexford perspective, with the exception of the Willie Mullins trained Monkfish comfortably winning the Brown Advisory Novices Chase over 3 miles.

Monkfish started his racing career in the care of Co.Wexford handler Cormac Doyle, and won comfortably today at odds of 1/4 despite a couple of jumping errors. Interestingly the second placed horse today, Fiddlerontheroof trained by Colin Tizzard, was unplaced behind Monkfish in his point to point victory for Doyle, back in 2018.

Yesterday’s winning jockey Seán Flanagan had one ride today where he finished 4th on Alpha Des Obeaux in the Cross Country Chase behind the legendary Tiger Roll. Seán will be in action again tomorrow in the Stayers Hurdle on Beacon Edge for Noel Meade.

Daryl Jacob was unfortunate to be hampered on Sceau Royal in the Champion Chase at a crucial moment, but stayed on strongly to finish 5th. Daryl has 4 rides tomorrow and 4 more on Friday. He told WexfordToday earlier this week that he is particularly looking forward to Caribean Boy in the Paddy Power Plate Handicap Chase tomorrow.

Enniscorthy based jockey Jordan Gainford had his first Cheltenham festival ride aboard Chosen Mate in the Grand Annual, and finished 10th. Jordan will have 4 more opportunities tomorrow and Friday. Likewise JJ Slevin and Jonathan Moore each have 2 rides on Thursday and 2 on Friday.

Trainer Paul Nolan saddles his only runner of the week tomorrow in the Pertemps Network handicap hurdle, Mrs Milner.

We wish all of the Wexford connections the best of luck for the remaining two days.