Jockey Ruby Walsh celebrates winning the Hennessy Gold Cup

Neptune Collonges warmed up for next month's Cheltenham Gold Cup with a comfortable victory in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown.

The Paul Nicholls-trained winner, ridden by Ruby Walsh, tracked last year's victor and the early pacesetter The Listener in the opening stages.

The pair were together at the fourth last, before Neptune Collonges, the 8-13 favourite, went comfortably clear.

Notre Pere tried hard to challenge but the winner triumphed by five lengths.

The victory was a confidence boost for Neptune Collonges, who fell last time out while challenging in the Lexus Chase at the same venue in late December.

The winner is now third favourite at 6-1 behind stablemates Kauto Star and Denman for the big race at the Cheltenham Festival after he finished third last year.

Winning trainer Paul Nicholls said he was looking forward to the Gold Cup after Neptune Collonges' performance.

"We've done a lot of work on his jumping as he got quite lazy and wasn't too brilliant for the first week after he fell here in the Lexus," said Nicholls.

"It's come together well and he will improve for the run so we're very happy with him."

Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup (Leopardstown)

1. Neptune Collonges (R Walsh) 8-13 Fav
2. Notre Pere (A McNamara) 10-3
3. Chelsea Harbour (DN Russell) 20-1
6 ran

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version