Backers of Montero winner of the Crown Bar Beginners' Chase (div 1) at Wexford today, had Roger Loughran to thank as the rider needed to sit tight following a final fence hiccup, before galvanising his gelding to eventually win by a length and three parts over 9/4 favourite Maucaillou
Montero lead from the fourth last fence but was joined by Maucaillou on the run to the final fence, where the winner over-jumped and pecked badly on landing, almost presenting Maucaillou with the race. However, Montero battled well to eventually gain a deserved success.
Afterwards winning trainer Dessie Hughes reported “Montero jumped great for a first time chaser but seemed to over-jump the final fence and Roger (Loughran) had to sit tight.”
He added “he's only a handy sized horse and we were lucky this appeared to be the weaker division of the race. We may go back hurdling with him again now.”
