Gold star for Hales ace

Shropshire racehorse owner John Hales today declared his leading Gold Cup contender Neptune Collonges bang on course for next month's Cheltenham Festival.

The eight-year-old produced an immaculate performance to claim the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Leopardstown in Ireland yesterday.

That prompted some bookmakers to trim the odds of the third favourite for next month's Cheltenham showpiece, and he is now a best priced 6-1 behind the last two winners, Kauto Star and Denman.

Cosford businessman John Hales confirmed Neptune Collonges arrived back at the Ditcheat yard of trainer Paul Nicholls in the early hours of this morning with no after effects of his latest success.

"We were absolutely delighted with him yesterday and now it's all systems go for Cheltenham," said Hales, before warning: "I'm not going to build hopes up too much – he has got a chance.

"He was third last year behind Denman and Kauto Star.

"Denman's form is of some concern to his connections and we were half a stride from having Kauto Star beat.

"Hopefully the conditions come right at Cheltenham next month and we can make it a good test of stamina."

Yesterday's victory also threw up an interesting jockey conundrum for Neptune Collonges ahead of the big race.

Christian WIlliams had been booked for the ride, although Ruby Walsh – Nicholls' stable jockey – hinted he may consider getting off favourite Kauto Star in favour of the Shropshire raider after yesterday's show.

"It's about time I won this race," said Walsh of the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

"That was a fine performance by Neptune Collonges and maybe I'm going to have to sit down and think about what I will ride in the Gold Cup.

"He jumped and travelled well and it was a truly run end-to-end race.

"I was a bit worried about the ground but it was a lot better than I expected and no worse than soft on the chase track."

Nicholls, who trains the leading trio in the betting for Cheltenham, is expecting a strong showing from Neptune Collonges in the blue riband event.

"On that performance, Neptune Collonges will definitely have a good chance in the Gold Cup," he said.

"We're looking at a different Gold Cup to last year, with Denman needing to improve from his run at Kempton.

"And yesterday should bring Neptune Collonges on a bit."

By JAMES GARRISON