Connections of Carlingford Lough have the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup firmly in their sights after the nine-year-old gained an unforgettable victory at Leopardstown.

The John Kie y-trained gelding snatched the spoils in the Hennessy Gold Cup on Sunday under a vintage ride from Tony McCoy, just over 24 hours after he announced he is to retire by the end of the season.

Carlingford Lough could now get the chance to give McCoy a third triumph in the Cheltenham showpiece before he hangs up his saddle.

"That was very good. He won nicely and stayed on well. John Kiely had him in great shape and it was a great day," said Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus.

"I don't see why he can't go for the Gold Cup after that. It's an open race. You'd like to think they all performed up to their best on Sunday.

"He's come out of the race good this morning. If he's OK in the next couple of weeks, there's no reason why he shouldn't go there."