Bishopscourt victory for Vee in Gold Cup silks

Shin A Vee carried famous Gold Cup colours to a second Bishopscourt Cup win at Punchestown today, landing the opening KFM sponsored hunters' chase for trainer Denis Cullen and capable claimer Johnny Barry.

The 12 year old was produced by Barry to lead before the second last fence and the pair then stayed on well to comfortably beat 11/8 favourite Rohan's Pride 0AShin A Vee, owned by Martin Kennelly whose Bregawn won the 1983 Cheltenham Gold Cup, was having his fifth start in the restricted chase and while initially successful in 2009, also finished second twice in 2010 and 2014.

Afterwards Cullen stated "I'm delighted - Martin (Kennelly) only gave him back to me in January with this race in mind and the ground drying out was a big help to him.

"Johnny gave him a cracking ride and filled him up at the back of the third last and had loads of horse turning for home.

"This is his Gold Cup and for it all to come together is brilliant. Martin will probably throw him back in the field now but I'd love to race on with him.

"He was third in Limerick after this race last year and was a bit unlucky. But to be fair I'd take a festival winner over that any day."

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson