Review LEOPARDSTOWN 10th Feb

The Listener gained due compensation for last year's agonising defeat in the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup with a brilliant display at Leopardstown on Sunday.

The Robert Alner-trained front-running grey had victory snatched away in the dying strides, by Beef Or Salmon, 12 months ago but proved much too good for his rivals this time as he powered away on the run-in for a five-length verdict.

Daryl Jacob's mount looked set for a battle as Mister Top Notch and Turko pressed before the final fence but he found another gear on the run for home to settle matters in great style.

"We were worried about the ground not being soft enough but the fact that it was dead meant that it was always going to be a test," said assistant trainer Nick Mitchell.

"The speculation that he's not a three mile horse is silly and he's proved that. Most horses that win a Hennessy walk up the run-in.

"He has an entry for the Ryanair and the Gold Cup and we'll have to have a serious think. He fell short (in the Gold Cup) last year and I cannot really see him turning it around.

"With Kauto Star and Denman 1-2 in the betting for the Gold Cup it might scare a few away but he's got enough pace for the Ryanair.

"But if we don't get any rain he won't be there at all. Any slight threat in the ground and you won't see him. There is also the Aintree option and the Flat three miles there would suit him."

Mitchell also had good news about boss Alner: "He's getting better and they've started taking him outside the hospital. He has a TV and a computer by his bed and is fully aware of what is happening."

The winner was shortened slightly, to 13/2 from 7/1, for the Ryanair Chase by William Hill who also halved his price for the Gold Cup from 40/1 to 20/1.

Willie Mullins is leaning towards the Arkle as J'y Vole's Cheltenham target after a game effort by the mare to fight back in the Grade 1 Dr PJ Moriarty Novice Chase.

The French import took up her customary front-running role but made a bad mistake three out and was tackled by Big Zeb at the next.

The gelding looked set for victory as he forged clear before the last but the distress signals went up on the run-in and Ruby Walsh conjured another run from J'y Vole to secure a five-length victory.

"I think she must be an extraordinary mare. She worked very ordinary on Thursday along with Our Bob and we were disappointed with his run earlier," said Mullins.

"I thought she hadn't much chance and if it had been an ordinary race I wouldn't have run her.

"I was flabbergasted with that run as she did everything wrong. Ruby said she didn't settle and was hanging right. She gave him a horrible ride and was never listening to him.

"I'll have to have a good word with Ruby about Cheltenham. I think that the way she ran today three miles in the SunAlliance would be too far. I'm favouring the Arkle but I don't know if she has enough speed."

Forpadydeplasterer also produced a battling performance to claim the Grade 1 Deloitte Novice Hurdle.

Davy Russell drove his mount into the lead before the final hurdle and he galloped on stoutly on the run-in to prove a length-and-a-quarter too strong for Cork All Star.

"They went a good proper gallop and he outstayed them. He's learning to jump and race at speed but he wants further," said winning trainer Tom Cooper.

"He'll go for the Ballymore. He's a chaser in the making and anything he does over hurdles is a bonus."

The opening Grade 2 juvenile hurdle produced a titanic battle between Personal Column and Won In The Dark with the former just edging matters close home.

Martin Mooney had sent Won In The Dark for home turning in but he was strongly pressed by Personal Column before the last.

Barry Geraghty's mount flattened the obstacle but lost little momentum and dug deep to shade the verdict as the pair flashed past the post together.

"I'm absolutely thrilled. I knew he had come on from Christmas as he showed at Punchestown," said Harrington.

"He's tough. Barry said he got squeezed down the back but that might have been the makings of him. We'll have to go for the Triumph now and see what happens."

Harrington secured a quick double when Spirit Run stayed on gamely under a strong drive from Andrew Leigh to repel the late surge of Moskova by a neck in the mares handicap hurdle.

Agus A Vic was produced with a well-timed run by Jason McKeown to land the hunters chase. Winning trainer Pat Martin revealed the winner would need cut in the ground if he were to travel to Cheltenham.

Psycho looked set for an easy victory before a last flight fall in the handicap hurdle. Take Your Mark swooped late to grab the verdict form Splurge.

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