Hennessy Gold Cup day preview

First Lieutenant and Rubi Ball who were second and third in last month’s Lexus Chase look set to clash again this season when they line up in the Grade 1 Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown on February 9th.

Both horses are reported to be in good shape and Mouse Morris who trains First Lieutenant said: “It is a Grade 1 and he ran very well last month and this race is the plan. He looks great and is in super form.”

Willie Mullins has entered Boston Bob and Rubi Ball and he said: “Rubi Ball ran very well in The Lexus and he has come out of that race in good shape. It was his first time to run over fences for us and going left handed and the soft ground seemed to suit him. He’ll go for The Hennessy.”

Paul Nicholls has entered Tidal Bay and Rocky Creek and a stable spokesperson said: “They are both in the mix and we will have a look at the race a bit closer to the time. I’d imagine that it will be sometime next week when we decide as to what we might run.”

Last Instalment who was third on his comeback outing at Thurles on Thursday was today reported to be fine by his trainer Philip Fenton, who said: “He is a little bit flat this morning, but he is sound and that is the main thing. We have a bit of time to go yet so hopefully we’ll get him to Leopardstown for The Hennessy.”

In the Grade 1 Deloitte Novice Hurdle, Fenton will run The Tullow Tank and said: “He has been in great form since he won at Christmas and he’ll go for the Deloitte. After that we’ll decide which race he’ll run in at Cheltenham.”

Faugheen and Briar Hill are two of the eight horses that Willie Mullins has pencilled in for the Deloitte Novice Hurdle.

Morning Assembly is a possible runner for the Grade 1 Dr PJ Moriarty Novice Chase and his trainer Pat Fahy stated: “We’ll see a bit closer to the time and we entered him to give us the option. He seems to be in great form and he came out of his run at Christmas very well.”

Carlingford Lough was impressive in the Grade 1 Topaz Novice Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas defeating Morning Assembly and he is also entered in the two mile and five contest. Other entries include Defy Logic, Ballycasey and Don Cossack.

In the fourth Grade 1 race on the day, the Gala Retail Juvenile Hurdle, there are four English horses entered and it is expected that Guitar Pete will try and credit Dessie Hughes with consecutive victories in this contest, having won it last year with Our Conor.

Pat Keogh CEO of Leopardstown said: “We are thrilled with the quality of the entries and look forward to another very special Hennessy Day at Leopardstown. It is one of the most prestigious race days in the Irish racing calendar with four Grade 1 races as well as the Hennessy Best Dressed Lady competition. We are also delighted to welcome new sponsor Gala Retail who are sponsoring the Grade 1 Juvenile Hurdle on the day.”