Monte Carlo Jets in to score for Mullins and Byrne Emmet Mullins and owner Paul Byrne made the perfect start to Irish Grand National day, as Jet To Monte Carlo ran out an easy winner of the opening Farmhouse Foods Novice Handicap Hurdle at Fairyhouse. Having his first run in handicap company, the Jet Away gelding sat second under Donagh Meyler for much of the race, as Kentucky Beach poached a clear lead. Closing the gap entering the straight, the 10/1 chance led at the second last flight, before stretching clear to win by four-and-a-quarter lengths. “It’s a great start to the day. He’s a horse that showed a lot and we couldn’t unearth it for one reason or another until now,” said Mullins. “I suppose with him being such an impressive point-to-point winner we thought he’d be more of a stayer. “It didn’t happen anytime we went up to two-and-a-half miles over hurdles, he didn’t get home. “He looks like he has a real high cruising speed and two miles seems to be the trip that suits him best. “I think we’ve learned our lesson today. We were bitterly disappointing with him on a few occasions, his homework was good enough but he wasn’t getting home. “He’s nearly a June foal as well and next year he’ll only being coming to himself physically.” When asked if he could go to Punchestown he added: “It wasn’t on my radar to be honest but he was impressive there and I suppose he’ll get an entry. “There are going to be a few different races. Knowing Paul he’ll be trying to make me go for the pot over two-and-a-half on the Saturday so I’ll have to try and stay strong and stay away from that. “We’ll try and stick to two miles anyway. “He’s a big good striding horse but I’d say the trip was probably more important than the ground but there is no harm in a bit of nicer ground for him.” Additional reporting by Gary Carson.
