Caoilin Quinn and Mondo Man survived high drama at the final hurdle as class prevailed in the Betfair Imperial Cup at Sandown - but a Royal Ascot bid could be more likely than seeking a quickfire bonus at next week's Cheltenham Festival.
A high-class recruit from the Flat having been fifth in the French Derby in 2024 before running behind Calandagan at that year's Royal meeting, Mondo Man has always been held in high regard, finishing not far behind Lulamba on his hurdling bow before running in the Adonis and Triumph Hurdle last term.
Gary and Josh Moore's five-year-old arrived at the Esher circuit as the 5-2 favourite after a confidence-boosting victory at Plumpton recently and quickly set about attempting to prove his class from the front.
It looked a plan set to be executed to perfection as Mondo Man headed to the last with a clear advantage - but it was there that Co Down-native Quinn almost exited through the side door after an untidy leap.
The rider was left to boot home Mondo Man without his irons as he held on from the fast-finishing Wreckless Eric, who was second for the second year running for Jonjo and AJ O'Neill.
Gary Moore said: "It was an amazing performance and I didn't really want to run because of the ground, the only reason he is running is because he has class.
"I was devastated when I saw he was having to make the running, it wasn't my plan, but it was Caoilin's and he stuck to it and it came off - he was very stylish after the last wasn't he!"
There is a €100,000 bonus on offer should the Imperial Cup winner follow up in any race at the Cheltenham Festival
