Delta Work and Kemboy lead Irish Gold Cup contenders

Delta Work and Kemboy are two of 15 entries for the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup on February 2.

Delta Work and Kemboy lead Irish Gold Cup contenders

Delta Work and Kemboy are two of 15 entries for the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup on February 2.

The €250,000 contest is the most valuable event of the two-day Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown – and a fascinating contest looks in store.

Gordon Elliott’s Delta Work bounced back from a disappointing seasonal reappearance at Down Royal when lunging late to land the Savills Chase over the Irish Gold Cup course and distance during the festive period.

The Willie Mullins-trained Kemboy could finish only fourth when defending his Savills Chase crown, but will be expected to improve for what his first start since winning the Punchestown Gold Cup in May – a race that will forever be remembered as Ruby Walsh’s swansong.

The race sponsors make Delta Work and Kemboy joint-favourites at 7-4.

Mullins could also call upon last year’s winner Bellshill and Cadmium as he bids to add to his record haul of 10 wins in the race.

Elliott also has Shattered Love, Death Duty and Alpha Des Obeaux in the mix, while other hopefuls include Noel Meade’s Road To Respect, Jessica Harrington’s 2017 winner Sizing John and Warren Greatrex’s mare La Bague Au Roi.

The highlight on February 1 is the PCI Irish Champion Hurdle, which has attracted 14 hopefuls.

A four-strong Mullins team is led by Sharjah and Klassical Dream, who won and disappointed respectively in last month’s Matheson Hurdle at the Dublin circuit.

The potential opposition includes Henry de Bromhead’s unbeaten mare Honeysuckle, Harrington’s 2018 Irish Champion Hurdle hero Supasundae and the resurgent Apple’s Jade from Elliott’s yard.

Interesting, Elliott has also entered star novice hurdlers Envoi Allen and Abacadabras.

The first of eight Grade Ones over the two days is the Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Solicitors ‘€50,000 Cheltenham Bonus For Stable Staff’ Novice Hurdle.

Envoi Allen tops an Elliott entry of 10, while a 12-strong Mullins team includes Asterion Forlonge and Blue Sari.

Paul Nolan’s Latest Exhibition is another major player.

The Mullins-trained Min could bid for a third successive win in the Ladbrokes Dublin Chase, although the Closutton maestro possesses a formidable squad, with Un De Sceaux, Cilaos Emery and Chacun Pour Soi also engaged.

De Bromhead’s A Plus Tard inflicted a shock defeat on Chacun Pour Soi last month and the pair could renew rivalry.

Nicky Richards’ course regular Simply Ned also holds an entry.

Eight different trainers have entered 16 horses for the Grade One ERSG Arkle Novice Chase, with Henry De Bromhead responsible for leading fancy Notebook, who made it three wins over fences at the Leopardstown Christmas Festival.

He beat the Joseph O’Brien-trained Fakir D’Oudairies to land the Grade One Racing Post Novice Chase and the pair could clash again in a race where the impressive Naas winners Cash Back and Bapaume, as well as Leopardstown winner Melon could also play a part for Mullins.

The action on the following afternoon begins with the Grade One Tattersalls Ireland Spring Juvenile Hurdle, which is set to feature De Bromhead’s hugely-exciting course scorer Aspire Tower.

The aforementioned pair of Abacadabras and Envoi Allen are in the Chanelle Pharma Novice Hurdle, which also features Peter Fahey’s Limerick scorer Soviet Pimpernel.

Battleoverdoyen and Faugheen lead the way for Elliott and Mullins respectively in the Flogas Novice Chase. Minella Indo is a notable entry for De Bromhead.

Tim Husbands, CEO of Leopardstown, said: “The quality of the entries is superb, and we are grateful to the owners and trainers who continue to support Dublin Racing Festival.

“Once again, the prize money has increased for 2020 to over two million euro, which will add to the excitement of this major sporting event.”

more courts articles

Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother
Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van
Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman

More in this section

Alex Ferguson chases more glory as Griezmann aims to Hook winner Alex Ferguson chases more glory as Griezmann aims to Hook winner
Paul Townend and Willie Mullins with his 9 winners from the Cheltenham festival 19/3/2024 Ban on Irish entries in Britain would be abject admission of defeat
Murray upbeat over Bucanero Fuerte ahead of possible 2000 Guineas tilt Murray upbeat over Bucanero Fuerte ahead of possible 2000 Guineas tilt
Sport Push Notifications

By clicking on 'Sign Up' you will be the first to know about our latest and best sporting content on this browser.

Sign Up
Sport
Newsletter

Latest news from the world of sport, along with the best in opinion from our outstanding team of sports writers

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited