Monkfish Dominates the 2021 Flogas Novice Chase
Monkfish, the winner of the 2021 Flogas Novice Chase, with jockey Paul Townend, groom Brigitta Doran and trainer Willie Mullins. Photo: Patrick McCann/Racing Post.
Monkfish more than lived up to the pre-race hype as the favourite for the 2021 Flogas Novice Chase at the Dublin Racing Festival in Leopardstown on Sun 7 February, winning in an effortless display under rider Paul Townend for trainer Willie Mullins. Latest Exhibition came second followed by Andy Dufresne who fought off Asterion Furlonge to claim third.
Commenting on Monkfish’s win, Willie Mullins said “I was more impressed with him today than any day. It looks like he’s getting better with each run. This fella has the same potential (as Al Boum Photo and Florida Pearl). Everything is so effortless, and he has huge scope no matter how he meets a fence.”
Horses under the care of champion trainer Willie Mullins and ridden by five different jockeys won nine of the 15 races up for grabs over the Festival’s two star-studded days at Leopardstown. Monkfish owner Mrs Susannah Ricci also won last year’s Flogas Novice with Faugheen.
John Rooney, managing director, Flogas said, “We may not have had the crowds this year due to Covid, but the pre-Festival excitement was as strong as ever. Congratulations to Willie Mullins and Paul Townend on Monkfish’s well-deserved win in the Flogas Novice this year. What a legendary performance for Willie and his team overall and we wish them the very best for Cheltenham!”
Champion trainer Willie Mullins lifts the winning trophy for Monkfish at the 2021 Flogas Novice Chase at the Dublin Racing Festival in Leopardstown. Photo: Patrick McCann/Racing Post.