Monty’s Star to Begin Cheltenham Gold Cup Bid at Tramore

Monty’s Star is set to make his seasonal return on New Year’s Day in the Grade Three O’Driscoll’s Irish Whiskey Chase at Tramore, as trainer Henry de Bromhead maps out a campaign aimed at the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The seven-year-old showed promise last season, claiming victory in a beginners’ chase at Punchestown before a commendable runner-up finish in the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, where he was beaten just under four lengths by the Willie Mullins-trained Fact To File, the current Gold Cup favourite.

Monty’s Star rounded off the season with another second-place effort, this time in the Grade One Champion Novice Chase at Punchestown, finishing behind Spillane’s Tower, another rising Gold Cup contender.

Trainer Henry de Bromhead confirmed plans for his stable star:

"We’re aiming for Monty's Star for the race at Tramore. He had a good season last year, and we’ve decided to target the Gold Cup with him. His form is rock-solid."

The Tramore contest will serve as a key step toward the Festival, though Monty’s Star also holds an entry for the Savills Chase at Leopardstown over the Christmas period. De Bromhead remains optimistic about the gelding’s development:

"He was beaten in two Grade Ones last season—by Fact To File at Cheltenham and Spillane’s Tower at Punchestown—but his form is there. We’re hoping he’s improved, and he seems in great shape."

Monty’s Star may be joined by stablemate Minella Indo at Tramore, but final plans will be decided closer to the date. With solid Grade One form and clear progress expected, Monty’s Star shapes up as an exciting prospect for the Gold Cup challenge.