Cheltenham Festival fancy Monalee crashes out at Shattered Love wins the Grade 1 Neville Hotels Novice Chase
Gordon Elliott's mare took advantage after Monalee crashed out as she recorded a game win at Leopardstown on Friday
THERE was even more drama at Leopardstown on Friday as hot favourite and Cheltenham Festival fancy Monalee crashed out in the Neville Hotels Novice Chase.
It left Shattered Love to lead home Jury Duty to provide Gordon Elliott with a 1-2 in the Grade 1 contest.
Shattered Love, a 10-1 shot in the hands of Mark Walsh, was always prominent and had just taken over the lead when Monalee fell in the back straight, bringing down Rathvinden and also badly hampering Dinaria Des Obeaux.
That dramatic incident left Shattered Love in front and while Jury Duty did his best to bridge the gap in the straight, Shattered Love gamely held on in front.
Walsh, riding a rare winner in the colours of Gigginstown House Stud, said: "Shattered Love was brilliant. As you can see from the size of her, chasing was always going to be her game.
"She was winging fences down the back, I was in front six out and I just left her there and she was happy out in front.
2.10 Haydock - Emperor's Choice: 'Mud and a slog is what he wants on a going day'
2.25 Newbury - Shotgun Paddy: 'Stays all day and has a good chance'
3.00 Newbury - Kilbricken Storm: 'The drop in trip is no problem and will be hard to beat'
3.15 Taunton - Maria's Benefit: 'Impressed at Sandown two runs ago and followed up at Ludlow'
2.45 Haydock - Wolf Sword: 'Goes in the ground and is gradually improving'
3.35 Newbury - Rocklander: 'Going to take a bit of stopping'
"She galloped the whole way to the line.
"We're lucky we've got a few nice horse at the minute, so we're delighted. Jury Duty ran well in second as well.
"We'll have to have a think about it and see where she goes now. She's got plenty of different options."