Review LEOPARDSTOWN 4TH FEB

Florida Pearl emulated the achievement of Jodami by taking the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup for the third successive time in front of packed stands at the Foxrock venue.

The 9yo was sent to the front in the back straight by Richard Johnson, deputising for the sidelined Ruby Walsh, where he produced a series of spectacular leaps.

The 5/4 favourite never looked in danger of defeat but did get very tired in the closing stages as stablemate Alexander Banquet stayed on gamely to get within 2L.

'The recent schooling we did paid off. He really enjoyed being out in front, and attacked his fences,' said a delighted Willie Mullins.

He added: 'I was pleasantly surprised with Alexander Banquet as I didn't think he was fit enough to do himself justice.'

Dorans Pride kept on onepaced a further 9L back in third, while Nick Dundee took a heavy fall when leading at the fifth.

'Thankfully he seems to be fine, and he may run in the Red Mills Chase at Gowran Park (February 17),' said Edward O'Grady.

Florida Pearl is a best priced 10/1 with Paddy Power for the Gold Cup at Cheltenham, while Alexander Banquet appeals at 16/1 with Ladbrokes.

Mullins later completed a double when Alexander Milenium justified strong support by beating Red Bear 7L in the bumper.

Sackville boosted his Royal & Sun Alliance Chase claims (top-priced 6/1 with Cashmans) when justifying odds-on support with real authority in the Dr P J Moriarty Novice Chase.

David Casey's mount led at halfway in this slowly run three runner affair, and stretched clear from the last to beat Arctic Copper by 15L, with Well Ridden 9L back in third.

'I'm delighted with that, especially the way he jumped,' said trainer Frances Crowley, who added: 'He will either run at Naas (Feb 25) or have a racecourse school somewhere.'

Barry Cash was given a two day suspension for injudicious riding aboard Well Ridden after adopting exaggerated waiting tactics.

Colonel Braxton is another on course for the Cotswolds next month after taking the Deloitte & Touche Novice Hurdle in fine style.

The Dessie Hughes-trained gelding is generally a 7/1 chance for the Royal & SunAlliance Hurdle after cruising to the front before the last to beat Liss A Paoraigh by 6L.

Pittsburgh Phil was found to be lame after dropping away two out to finish a disappointing eighth behind 20/1 winner Lisaan in the Cashmans Bookmakers Juvenile Hurdle.

Lisaan, who is not entered in the Triumph Hurdle, may go to Aintree for the Glenlivit Hurdle.

Sheltering is favourite for the Foxhunters at Cheltenham after making all for an impressive success in the hunter chase.

Ricardo led before the last to beat front-runnning Lawz by 5 1/2L in the handicap hurdle, with Never More (6/1-3/1f) holding every chance 1 1/2L back in third.