Irish Hennessy Gold Cup Result: Quel Esprit impresses for top combination

World Racing RSS / / 12 February 2012 / Leave a Comment

Free Bet
Mullins and Walsh: Pair responsible for Quel Esprit

Mullins and Walsh: Pair responsible for Quel Esprit

" Quel Esprit, who has now won all four of his completed chase starts..."

French-bred Quel Esprit gave Willie Mullins his eighth Grade 1 Hennessy Gold Cup success when making all under Ruby Walsh in the Leopardstown showpiece on Sunday.

The good-topped grey eight-year-old, who went into the race 7 lb behind top-rated China Rock on a Timeform master figure of 151, put in a faultless round of jumping and never quite looked like getting caught, eventualy coming home with two lengths to spare.

It was the first time Walsh had ridden Quel Esprit to victory at the sixth attempt and the [2.3] favourite, who has now won all four of his completed chase starts (has fallen twice and been brought down once), was followed home by the two rank outsiders, [24.5] -shot Roberto Goldback lengths ahead of Treacle, who started at a BSP of [70.0].

After the race the rider stated how Quel Esprit had jumped and travelled well and that they went a good gallop, something that the horse likes to do.

Walsh also said how he believes the horse is "probably a 160 (BHA rating) horse, which leaves him 14 lb behind Long Run (Timeform master rating of 182) and Kauto Star (181)".

The aforementioned China Rock travelled well and briefly looked a threat before fading into a well-held fourth, with Follow The Plan fifth, Bostons Angel sixth and Magnanimity last, the final pair making notable mistakes.

Quel Esprit is now trading at [21.0] for next month's Cheltenham Gold Cup, a race in which he's likely to be reunited with Paul Townend (five from six on the horse).

Read More Horse Racing

Australian Derby Review: Youngsters light up Randwick

Australian Derby day was more about the support races than the Blue Riband feature itself as far as high Timeform-rating performances are concerned......

Doncaster Handicap: Waterhouse to saddle three in Randwick feature

Leading Australian trainer Gai Waterhouse has set her sights on a record-equalling seventh Doncaster Mile Handicap at Randwick on Saturday after dominating the first month of the Sydney Carnival....

Road to the Kentucky Derby: The Churchill Downs contenders

Timeform bring you their latest update on the leading contenders for the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 5.........

Timeform US SmartPlays: Saturday April 14

Tonight sees the Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland but Timeform's two SmartPlays at the Kentucky track come in earlier races on the card, and there's also one at Charles Town......

Post a comment

Free £20 Bet + Up to £1,000 Cashback

Join Today
How to claim your £20 Free Bet + £1,000 Cashback offer
  1. Open your account (3 mins)
  2. Make a deposit into your account and place a bet on your selection (minimum £20)
  3. Should your selection lose we'll refund your bet + get cashback on your betting for your first 30 days up to £1,000
  4.   £20 Free Bet + £1,000 Cashback, Join Today

Writers' Tips

Follow our daily tipsters

  • Check back later for more tips

© Betfair 2007–12 | Contact Betting.Betfair team on: haveyoursay@betfair.com

Proud to back    

Betfair UK | Australia | Online sázení | Betfair Danmark | Wetten | στοιχήματα | Apuestas | Fogadas | Ireland | Scommesse | Norge | Онлайн ставки | Kladjenje | Vedonlyönti | Apostas | Zakłady | Vadhållning | 网上投注 | Betfair Corporate | Betting Education