After running third and then second at his first two starts for Chris Munce, Monaco Playboy finally broke through for his first win for the stable when taking out race 3 the REAL WAY PROPERTY CONSULTANTS Colts, Geldings & Entires Rating Band 0-60 Handicap over the 1350metres at Ipswich on Friday.

Slightly tardy when jumping from barrier seven Monaco Playboy, with stable apprentice Rhiannon Payne on board, settled into third last position as they travelled up to the 1200 but by the 1000 metre mark he began to pull his way to the front.  Racing three-wide, with no cover throughout the run, the 5-year old chestnut gelding soon hit the front and by the 600 he had taken up the leader’s position.  As they turned into the home stretch Monaco Playboy was still leading but inside runner, Malcriado, soon took the lead and looked like he was going to go away with it however a strong ride by Payne saw her lift Monaco Playboy to take race in a photo finish.  After a long sustaining run the end result was half head win in a time of 1:20:10.

Trainer Chris Munce said it was very pleasing to see him hit the line with the zest and courage he showed in the last part of the race.  ‘I will give a few days break to let him get over the run before finding his next start.’

Monaco Playboy is by Monaco Consul (NZ), winner of the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes and the Group 1 Vic Derby, and is out of the Orpen (USA) mare Absent Annie.  He is the half-brother to Brialka Lodge, also trained by Chris, and this win came ten days after his older brother won his second race for Munce.

Congratulations to owners Mrs A T Durrington and Mr B H Durrington

[Photos courtesy of Grant Peters, Trackside Photography]