Joncol battles to Hennessy glory

Joncol fulfilled the promise he has shown this season when running out a gutsy winner of the Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown today.

Alain Cawley got a great tune out of his mount on the run-in to grab victory in the dying strides from the front-running Cooldine in a titanic finish.

Pushed along turning for home, Paul Nolan's charge worked his way into contention at the final fence.

The 9/4 favourite lost ground when running down it to his right but found plenty to soon come on terms with Cooldine.

The gaint son of Bob's Return battled tenaciously close home and got up in the dying strides to record a neck success.

"It's great. I was a little bit worried that we wouldn't be able to get him to peak for three Grade Ones," said Nolan.

"He's a big framed horse but we didn't do much work with him because we wanted to freshen him up.

"I was just worried he might blow up but thankfully he's done the business, just barely, but done it.

"We have options with him now. We could decide to give him a break and bring him back for Punchestown if the ground stays safe.

"We'll see how he comes out of this but Cheltenham is an option. I'd say the Ryanair is 50/50.

"I said at the start of the season the Hennessy was his Gold Cup and he's done it now so we're happy."

Nolan feels his charge still has to improve considerably to make into a Gold Cup contender.

"He would have to improve 20 lengths or more. He's not good enough at the moment but I don't want to say that after winning a Hennessy. I hope he improves enough."

The winner gave ground away when running down the final fence and Nolan commented.

"He got a bit close to three out and was on and off the bridle a bit. I said to Squeaky before to try and keep something on his outside but he couldn't take a chance going down the inside."

Paddy Power and Sean Graham both cut the winner from 8/1 to 6/1 for the Ryanair Chase.