Denman among Hennessy entries

Denman heads the list of 17 entries published today for the 20th running of the Hennessy Gold Cup to be run at Leopardstown on Sunday 7th February.

The Paul Nicholls-trained star won the Lexus Chase at the 2007 Leopardstown Christmas meeting before going on to land the Cheltenham Gold Cup the following March.

He returned last season after being treated for a fibrillating heart to finish second to Kauto Star in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, and proved that he was as good as ever this term when he carried 11st 12lb to victory in Newbury’s Hennessy Gold Cup.

The 10-year-old gelding, who will run just once more before this year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup, has an alternative engagement in the Aon Chase at Newbury.

Competition to Denman is headed by John Durkan Memorial Chase winner Joncol, who subsequently finished third to What A Friend in the Lexus Chase last month.

“We were probably too aggressive with him in the Lexus,” said trainer Paul Nolan this morning, “and I blame myself for that. Over two miles at Naas in October, we were caught for pace, and again in the John Durkan Chase over two and a half, it looked like In Compliance was galloping all over us turning in."

"I’m not going to make excuses, but you have to look for ways to beat these horses, and maybe if we are not so aggressive on him this time that will give us a better chance. The horse is 100% and on track for the race.”

Willie Mullins has entered four, including last year’s Dr PJ Moriarty Chase and RSA Chase winner Cooldine, who coughed after running disappointingly in the Lexus Chase on his seasonal reappearance, and Glencove Marina, who made an encouraging comeback from injury over hurdles at Punchestown on New Year’s Eve.

Dessie Hughes is represented by In Compliance, Schindlers Hunt and Rare Bob, while Noel Meade has entered Aran Concerto and Casey Jones, and Jim Dreaper will be represented by last year’s Punchestown Gold Cup winner Notre Pere.

King George runner-up Madison Du Berlais is an interesting entry from the David Pipe yard, while it looks like the Nicky Richards-trained Money Trix, one place in front of Joncol in the Lexus, will bid to go one better in the Hennessy.

The supporting card is headed by the Grade 1 Dr PJ Moriarty Chase. Willie Mullins looks set to mount a strong bid to complete a hat-trick in this 2m5f event, following victories for J’y Vole and Cooldine, with seven entries including Mikael D’Haguenet and Cousin Vinny.

The Charles Byrnes-trained Weapon’s Amnesty, beaten a short head by Pandorama in the Knight Frank Chase at Leopardstown’s Christmas Festival, is on track for this contest.

The sole British entry is Paul Nicholls' Take The Breeze, who also holds an entry in the Frank Ward Solicitors Arkle Perpetual Challenge Cup at Leopardstown on 24th January.

Dunguib is an eye-catching entry in the Grade 1 Deloitte Novice Hurdle together with the Dermot Weld-trained Rite Of Passage, while Carlito Brigante and Alaivan head the contenders for the Grade 1 Spring Juvenile Hurdle. Nicholls is triply represented here with Advisor, Royal Mix and Pistolet Noir.

Tom Burke General Manager at Leopardstown said: “It is fitting that the 20th Anniversary of the Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown looks set to be one of the most interesting and competitive renewals of recent years. The card is supported by a further three Grade 1 races with the Spring Juvenile Hurdle, the Deloitte Novice Hurdle and the Dr. P.J. Moriarty Novice Chase and we are looking forward to an exceptional days racing.”

The Hennessy Gold Cup was previously known as the Vincent O’Brien Irish Gold Cup (first run in 1987), and the present title was introduced in 1991 when Hennessy began its sponsorship of the Grade 1 three-miler. Jodami (1993) and Imperial Call (1996) both won this race before going on to take the Cheltenham Gold Cup the following month.

Hennessy Gold Cup Roll of Honour

Year Winner Age Jockey Trainer