Champion Trainer Willie Mullins more than made up for earlier defeats of his star novices when winning the featured Hennessy Gold Cup for the seventh time at Leopardstown today, with Kempes
Jockey David Casey produced Kempes to lead entering the straight and a bold jump at the final fence helped the J.P. McManus owned gelding run out a four and a half lengths winner over 25/1 shot Glencove Marina with last year’s winner Joncol in third.
The race was marred however by the death of Glencove Marina, who collapsed and died after passing the post. Money Trix was another to suffer an injury in the race, pulling up early and was subsequently taken away for treatment.
The win was senior jockey Casey’s second win in the big race, having previously won the 2005 renewal on Rule Supreme.
Afterwards a somewhat surprised Mullins stated “the surprises are always the best ones! I asked David (Casey) to go out and get him to jump around and if he’d any chance to take it. I said to him if he got around he’d have more speed than the others and he probably even arrived too soon!”
He added “I’m delighted for the horse, his owner and especially his jockey as he gave him a terrific ride.”
“I’d imagine he’ll go for the Cheltenham Gold Cup next and better ground should suit too - the ground might not be as bad as we thought today.”
Boylesports subsequently cut Kempes to 20/1, from 33/1, for the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Following the race 12 year old veteran The Listener winner of the Hennessy in '08 having been mugged by Beef Or Salmon the previous year, was retired by his trainer Nick Mitchell, having trailing in last.
Tom Weekes
