Neptune on the Double Neptune Collonges took the Punchestown Guinness Gold Cup for the second year running with a powerful display, in front six out, asserting his authority from three out on the way to a seven length success. The Ruby Walsh-ridden grey was very good over the last two fences and whatever chance the chasing Snowy Morning had, evaporated with those two leaps. Returned the 9/10 favourite, the Paul Nicholls-trained seven-year-old saw his odds clipped for next year?s Cheltenham Gold Cup (12s from 16s with Paddy Powers and 10s from 12s with William Hill). Meanwhile Snowy Morning, third in the 2008 Grand National, was cut from 20/1 into 16/1 with the last-named firm for next year?s renewal of the world?s most famous race. Mossbank couldn?t raise his game from three out, finishing seventeen lengths back in third. His stable companion, Beef Or Salmon ran an honourable race to conclude his career, back in sixth place. Kicking King faded quickly before four out, pulling up after the next.
