Trainer Henry de Bromhead achieved a notable one-two in the Surehaul Mercedes-Benz Novice Hurdle at Clonmel with Monty’s Star claiming his first win and securing a place at the Cheltenham festival, ahead of his more favoured stablemate Hiddenvalley Lake. Despite Hiddenvalley Lake leading for much of the race, Monty’s Star stayed close behind until the final two hurdles where he managed to take the lead and win by half a length. De Bromhead expressed his satisfaction with the win and praised jockey Sean Flanagan’s riding. Monty’s Star had previously finished second in a Navan maiden and his trainer suggested that he has the potential to become a top-class chaser in the future. Hiddenvalley Lake also ran well, despite struggling on the tough ground, and remains a contender for the Albert Bartlett race.