Although when you hear him speak of his exciting novice chaser Monalee, his eyes light up and who can blame him, the ordinary man on the street would bite your hand off to own a horse as good as Monalee.

I was instantly drawn to Monalee last season as a good novice hurdler. I was full of confidence of his chances at the Cheltenham Festival, he lined up in the Albert Bartlett and ran a good race. Just finding the Willie Mullins trained Penhill too strong.

Henry has always believed he would make a better chaser. His chasing debut came at Punchestown’s Morgiana Hurdle meeting. And he never put a foot wrong winning comfortably for Davy Russell. It was particularly pleasing for his fans as he jumped very well and seemed at home over the bigger obstacles.

The next opportunity to see Monalee should be at Leopardstown’s Christmas festival, in the 3m G1 novices chase. Where he could clash with the likes of Death Duty and Invitation Only, who fell in that race Monalee won last month. It’s all shaping up to be a Christmas cracker! Keep a look out for this very naturally talented horse.

Article by Jamie Lindsey.