Last Instalment and Brian O'Connell© Photo Healy Racing
Trainer Philip Fenton and jockey Brian O'Connell combined for big race success at Leopardstown today when the Gigginstown House Stud owned Last Instalment provided the pair with their biggest career wins in the Hennessy Gold Cup.
Last Instalment, a dual Grade 1 novice chase winner at Leopardstown in the 2011/12 season but whose career had since been blighted by injury, pulled his way to the front after jumping the second fence but from there was kept on an even keel by O'Connell. The pair had the measure of the chasing First Lieutenant (7/4f) from early in the home straight with O'Connell keeping the son of Anshan going on the run-in for an impressive eight and a half lengths from veteran Tidal Bay which took the second spot from First Lieutenant close home.
Fenton and O'Connell have in the past provided Irish racing with some memorable moments with Cheltenham Bumper winner Dunguib but today's win will have advertised further both men's talents.
Following the win, Fenton stated “it was a great performance and he jumped great. It wasn't ideal to be that handy but Brian had little option after jumping the first fence and tactically it was a good ride; he was able to slow it down in front and used his jumping to keep bringing him back.
“Brian has a 100% record on the horse and rides him very well.
“It's great to have the horse back and he confirmed all his novice form and looks as good as ever. It was a bit of a concern having just a second run here taking on that sort of competition and we'll weight up our options now but it looks like we'll be heading for the Gold Cup.
Regarding Last Instalment's two year injury layoff prior to last month's return at Thurles, Fenton added “he broke down twice; the first time was here and then again last season and it's been a long road but it's good to get him back and has confirmed he is as good as he was.
“If he is sound tomorrow he'll have an easy 10 days and we'll then freshen him up. The ground would of course be a concern going for the Gold Cup and we'd be happy to see the rain fall!
“He is nine but has little mileage and hopefully there is a pinch of improvement to come from him and it is exciting times. He was genuinely electric at every fence today and even when he got in close to his fences, he gained a bit of ground; it doesn't get any better than this!”
Fenton had earlier seen his The Tullow Tank fail to justify 9/10 favouritism when second in the Deloitte Novice Hurdle and the trainer mentioned “he still ran with credit it's obvious he wants to go up in trip; the Neptune Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham now looks the race for him.”
Paddy Power later cut Last Instalment to 8/1 (from 25s) for the Cheltenham Gold Cup. By Thomas Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson
