Joncol Passes Away Joncol, winner of the 2009 John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase and the 2010 Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown, has died this morning after a two-week battle with illness at the age of 12. The giant son of Bob's Return was retired at the end of 2013 having suffered from a plethora of injuries and illnesses since his Hennessy Gold Cup triumph. He had spent the past two years at RACE (Racing Academy & Centre of Education), Kildare, where he enjoyed life as a training horse for apprentice jockeys. Paul Nolan, who trained Joncol throughout his entire racing career, confirmed the news today: "It's very sad that he died so prematurely, but, in the end, it was in the horse's best interests that he was euthanized. He had been suffering from re-occurring bouts of lymphangtis and having discussed it with the owners, it was decided it was the best thing to do." Joncol began his racing career on the point-to-point circuit as a four-year-old, winning on his second attempt under champion rider Jamie Codd. He continued his winning form when switched to the race track by claiming a bumper and then ran up a sequence of three wins over fences the following season. The 2009/10 season was where Joncol really excelled on the track, winning two Grade 1's and giving Paul Nolan his greatest triumph as a trainer. "He gave me my best day in racing when he won the Hennessy," said Nolan. "He was always so professional and a lovely horse to have around the yard. He was plagued by injuries throughout his career and it's a pity he didn't get longer to enjoy his retirement. We still have his two half-brothers here in training (Fine Article & Fine Theatre) and hopefully they can give owners Dan and Kay Browne more success. The Browne's have been great supporters of our stable and it was a privilege to train Joncol for them." By Robert Moorhouse
