The late-1970’s and early-1980’s were generally considered a golden era for two-mile hurdlers, with Sea Pigeon, Night Nurse and Monksfield all winning two Champion Hurdles each at the Cheltenham Festival in that period. The last-named performer was the only one of those that was trained in Ireland and the pint-sized gelding was an exceptionally popular horse at the time. Despite being anything but physically imposing, Monksfield had a battling attitude to rival any horse and it served him exceptionally well during this period. A real Cheltenham specialist, his form figures at the Festival read 2-2-1-1-2.
Trainer: Des McDonogh
Principal Jockey: Tommy Kinane, Dessie Hughes
Grade 1 Wins: Aintree Hurdle (1979, 1978, 1977), Champion Hurdle (1979, 1978)
Early Days
Trained by Des McDonogh in Co. Meath, the diminutive Monksfield did not move overly well and one could have been forgiven for not holding out much hope for the son of Gala Performance. However, on his racecourse debut in a two-year-old maiden on the Flat, he defied his 25/1 odds to win comfortably. While that was a surprise, Monksfield proved disappointing on the Flat as a three-year-old and it wasn’t until he was sent juvenile hurdling that he began to really shine.
Hurdling Beckons
Unusually, Monksfield was not gelded prior to being sent over hurdles, a decision that would reap dividends at a later date. He won four races over hurdles in his first season over obstacles in 1975/6, but the highlight of his season arguably came in defeat when he finished second in the Triumph Hurdle on his first visit to the Cheltenham Festival. The result was not without controversy though, as many felt that Monksfield should have been awarded the race in the steward’s room, but alas it was not to be.
The Champion Hurdle back at Cheltenham was the obvious target for Monksfield in 1976/7 and his campaign was very much geared towards that contest. In what is widely considered to be the strongest Champion Hurdle ever run, Monksfield found just the highest-rated hurdler of all time and the winner of the 1976 renewal of the race Night Nurse too good, with Dramatist, Sea Pigeon and Birds Nest finishing in behind. However, a final flight error cost Monksfield vital momentum and his connections were hopeful that he would reverse the form on another day. They wouldn’t have to wait long to get another shot at the reigning champion, as they met in the Aintree Hurdle just 17 days later. In what is considered one of the most exciting hurdle races of all time, Night Nurse and Monksfield (receiving 6 lb) engaged in a pulsating duel from the penultimate hurdle and having passed the line locked together, the most famous dead-head in National Hunt history was declared. As if that excitement wasn’t enough for those that were present, less than an hour later, Red Rum won his historic third Aintree Grand National.
Becoming A Champion
Following that remarkable race, Irish hopes were high that Monksfield could make up for his two Cheltenham Festival reversals in the 1978 renewal of the Champion Hurdle. Again, his campaign was geared towards Prestbury Park and on the day, Monksfield duly gained the win he so deserved, gamely beating off the challenge of Sea Pigeon and Night Nurse. To confirm his new position at the top of the hurdling tree, Monksfield gained his second win in the Aintree Hurdle a few weeks later. Two wins on the Flat soon followed his Aintree success, but a much more significant challenge awaited him at Haydock. Contesting the inaugural running of the Royal Doulton Hurdle (now known as the Swinton Handicap Hurdle), he had Night Nurse, Sea Pigeon and Bird’s Nest in opposition, but it was Royal Gaye that denied Monksfield the win, making the best of the 28 lb he was receiving from the little warrior. It was a colossal effort in defeat and it further endeared Monksfield to the racing public.
Defending His Crown
Once again, Monksfield’s campaign in 1978/9 focused on Prestbury Park and his bid to retain his Champion Hurdle title. McDonogh delivered his stable star to Cheltenham in excellent form and what transpired was one of the most exciting Champion Hurdles of all time. Monksfield, in front and under strong pressure between the final two flights, looked to be a sitting duck for the strong-travelling Sea Pigeon, but on the run-in Monksfield summoned all his will and determination and out-battled his classy rival to record a narrow success, prompting wild scenes of celebration amongst his fans. As if that wasn’t enough for the season, he went on to win his third consecutive Aintree Hurdle just a few weeks later.
Losing His Crown
That 1978/9 campaign proved to be the pinnacle of Monkfield’s career and while he defended his crown gamely in 1980, finishing a well-beaten second to his old rival Sea Pigeon in the Champion Hurdle, that win marked the beginning of Sea Pigeon’s reign at the top of the hurdling tree and the decline in the fortunes of Monksfield. However, with him still being an entire, it wasn’t long before Monksfield was retired to stud and he enjoyed nine successful seasons as a stallion.
In terms of the position that Monksfield occupies in the history of hurdling, Timeform rated him 180, which is the same as the mighty Istabraq and just 2 lb behind the highest rated hurdler of all time, his old rival Night Nurse. Monksfield was a loveable underdog that holds a special place in the hearts of those that lived through that golden era for hurdling and he will forever be remembered as one of the greatest hurdlers of all time.
Info supplied by Horse Racing Ireland – Updated January 2011
