Foxrock (right)© Photo Healy Racing
Owner Barry Connell will decide whether to supplement Foxrock for the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup in the next fortnight.
The Ted Walsh-trained seven-year-old was sent off second favourite for the Irish Hennessy, despite being stepped up to Grade One level from handicap company. He looked likely to win jumping the last, only for Tony McCoy to produce a fairytale finish on Carlingford Lough to take the prize.
"We were very happy with him. It was a super run, his jumping is very good now and he battled away all the way to the line," said Connell.
"He's got all the attributes of a three-mile chaser.
"I just think with Carlingford Lough being two years older, he just had that bit more experience and was battle hardened. Our lad was staying on again at the finish.
"He's progressing with every run and he's bridged the gap from handicaps to Grade Ones quickly, like Road To Riches has done.
"They actually met in a beginners chase at Naas last year and there wasn't much between them then and I don't think there would be now.
"The division is open, I think the novices coming through from last year have proved that.
"We have three weeks to decide whether to supplement or not. We'll see how he comes out of this first and then make a decision in about a fortnight.
"We'll keep an open mind. In an ideal world you'd go next year when he is eight, but it's a nice dilemma to have."
