13.8.21. Noduff Excalibur and Noduff Grand make their UK debuts tomorrow in open races on Monmore’s Gold Cup card.

Excalibur appears in the sprint competition at 9.02 over 264m. He is plunged in at the deep end against some seasoned open race winning sorts but we are confident that Jock can do himself justice. You’ll recall that he has the fastest sectional time of the year at Kilkenny. Technically he is also unbeaten having raced once and won at odds on in his native Ireland. He has a five timer including that win and four consecutive trial victories to his name.

Grand is younger, being a November 2019 whelp, so he is entered in the puppy competition that supports the Gold Cup and Summer Stayers Classic. Wallace has dipped under the 29 second barrier twice in trials including an initial 28.70. He runs from trap three with two early paced sorts inside and we would like to see him tuck in behind them then show his strength from the second bend.

Most important of all though, we want them to enjoy their first outings, learn lots and come hom safe.