Carlingford Lough wins PunchestownGoldCup

Owner J.P.McManus, retained jockey Barry Geraghty and trainer John Kiely secured another big race success with Carlingford Lough today as the dual Irish Gold Cup winner added Punchestown's Gold Cup, to the gelding's list of honours.

The Grade 1 Bibby Financial Services Ireland sponsored contest had been billed as the clash between Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Don Cossack and unlucky Cheltenham faller Cue Card but while Don Cossack missed the race entirely, Cue Card was unable to land a blow in today's contest, eventually finishing third.

Carlingford Lough, on the other hand, was again ridden from off the pace and made his challenge entering the home straight. Narrow leader Road To Riches was strongly pressed when crashing out at the second last fence, with Geraghty soon moving the winner to the front, approaching the final fence.

The winning son of King's Theatre stayed on gamely on the run-in to beat Djackadam by four and a half lengths.

A delighted Kiely later stated “he's an easy horse to train and I just keep him well and let him be fresh.

“He didn't seem to handle Cheltenham and maybe being away, he might be a better horse in Ireland and I think he likes a more level track.

"I'd like to give the credit to Mark Walsh who did most of the schooling on him and we took him to the Curragh for a few bits of work, and that has worked.

"He's been a great servant to me, and is easily kept sound - touch wood. He'll probably have a similar programme next season and he has that bit of class."

Carlingford Lough, who was recording his fifth Grade 1 win having also landed the 2013 Galway Plate, was subsequently cut for the 2017 Cheltenham Gold Cup to 25/1, with Boylesports and 16/1 with Paddy Power.

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Alan Magee