MONYMAN

MONYMAN. 01 January 1990. Mandalus-Superdora. Owner-Trevor Hemmings.

Monyman was owned by Trevor Hemmings, one of National Hunt Racing's biggest supporters, running in the famous yellow and green colours, for the whole of his rules career, He was the highest rated produce of his mare Superdora, who had eight representatives on the track, producing the winners of 13 races.

Monyman made his debut in a bumper at Haydock in January 1995, finishing tailed off in the heavy going, after going off at a not fancied 20/1. It was a different story at Carlisle in April, when he won the 16 runner bumper on firm ground, staying on well up the hill, after being given a patient ride.

He made his debut over hurdles, after his Summer break in November at Newcastle, weakening from two out, and probably needing the race.In total he would run seven times over hurdles in the next 11 months, mainly over the minimum trip, placing on five occasions, but seemingly lacking that extra gear to get his head in front.

It was a different story when he went chasing in November 1996 at Kelso, he jumped well under Russ Garritty, coming from off the pace to win a novice handicap chase by a length and a half, at odds of 13/8 favourite. He was second at Aintree 10 days later, after being hampered, but was back in the winners enclosure at Catterick in December. He completed a quick three timer at Musselburgh in January, under his penalty, taking his rating to 112, a rise of 14lb for his three wins.He went off at 1/1 for his next race in a handicap at Wetherby ,but could only manage third place, but in his next attempt at Ayr in March, he probably ran his career best, coming eight lengths clear, over the minimum trip, on good ground, taking his official rating to his highest of 121.He was placed on four of his next six runs, with his mark gradually coming down, and from a rating of 111 in March 1999, he got his head in front for the final time at Newcastle, with Brian Harding in the saddle.He then took his chance in the John Hughes Trophy at Aintree, but probably didn't see out the two miles and six furlongs.

After his Summer break he raced a further three times under rules in the 1999-2000 season, but he was no longer showing the same zest for racing, and was sold out of the yard to race in hunter chases, and point to points, for his new trainer J.M. Turner in Suffolk.

Monyman was placed a couple of times in points, and ran for the final time in May 2002.He was a horse who was totally ground dependant, with good, or good to firm bringing out the best in him, over the minimum trip of two miles.