Monsignor (Ire) winner of the Champion NH Flat race at Cheltenham last season was the outstanding Novice Hurdler of the season with six victories in six outings. Improving with every run, culminating in winning the Royal & Sun Alliance Novices Hurdle Gd1 from No Discount (Ire), despite the prevailling fast ground at the Cheltenham Festival. It would appear to be the main contender for Isatabraq (Ire)'s crown next season but connections are said to getting the horse ready for a chasing campaign. It's pedigree suggests that it should make a chaser and have every chance of staying three miles with give in the ground. No Discount (Ire) was subsequently beaten over three miles at Aintree, but almost certainly didn't stay.

Moscow Flyer (Ire) who had fractured a pelvis earlier in the season was a most impressive winner of the Champion Novices Hurdle run at the Punchestown Festival. Ideallly suited to 2 miles and give, this one would appear to be a major challenger for championship honours next season.

Of the stayers Deano's Beano put a very good performance first time out at Newbury in November than disappointed after. Switched to fences later in the season was victorious at Newbury but did not look a natural. Would seem to run best fresh and on a flat track.

Bacchanal (Ire) won the Stayers Hurdle from Limestone Lad (Ire) in an average time. Nevertheless this one is a tremendous improver with a turn of foot and should not be under-estimated. Both of these two would have appreciated some give underfoot. Limestone Lad (Ire)'s has improved by around 5 stone in the last two seasons, more remarkably, connections have not wrapped the horse up in cotton wool. Running no fewer than 21 times in that period and recording 15 victories. Said to be going chasing next term.