Meade thrilled with Galway winners

Monksland narrowly got the better of Marinero in a thrilling climax to the Ryans Cleaning Chase at Galway.

High-class hurdler Monksland made a winning start to his career over fences at Gowran Park last November before placing in three consecutive Grade One events, but had not been seen in competitive action for Noel Meade since chasing home Outlander in the Flogas Novice Chase at Leopardstown in February.

The Henry de Bromhead-trained Marinero, on the other hand, opened his chasing account at Downpatrick less than three weeks ago and was the even-money favourite under David Mullins, with Monksland a 6-5 shot in the hands of Sean Flanagan.

Marinero jumped accurately at the head of affairs throughout the two-mile-six-furlong contest, with Monksland slightly less fluent.

However, he closed the gap before jumping the final fence and eventually wore down his main rival on the long run-in, getting up by a head.

Meade said: “He nearly put me out of commission before the start as he gave me a kick in the stomach, but luckily enough there is plenty of padding there!

“I’m thrilled with him and I’m thrilled with the ride he got as well. Sean knew he wasn’t that wound up and that he had to hold on to him for as long as he could and he did.

“He made a few errors and if he could rule them out it would be great. He just lacks a bit of scope and he is not easy to train.

“He swims a lot and spends a lot of time in the spa, but when he is right he is …

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