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Michael O'Leary celebrates after First Lieutenant wins. INPHO/Dan Sheridan
Racing

Gigginstown triple handed for Hennessy

First Lieutenant, Lat Instalment and Roi Du Mee will all go at Leopardstown tomorrow.

Horse racing news brought to you in association with GallopsLive.com

GIGGINSTOWN WILL BE triple handed for Sunday’s Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown, with First Lieutenant, Lat Instalment and Roi Du Mee among seven entries for the Grade 1 contest.

Lexus Chase runner up First Lieutenant is the current 9/4 favourite for the 3 Mile showpiece and has also got the vote from retained jockey Bryan Cooper, who is set to take the ride on Mouse Morris’ stable star.

The nine-year-old found only Gold Cup winner Bobs Worth too good in the Lexus but Morris is a little worried about ground conditions after the deluge of rain over the past few weeks.

“The ground is going to be heavy, but he’s in good shape and we’ll let him take his chance,” said the trainer. “On his Lexus run he is the one to beat. The ground would be a concern, but I suppose it’s the same for them all.”

Cooper of course could have taken the ride on either Last Instalment, now ridden by Brian O’Connell, or Roi Du Mee, now ridden by Davy Condon, but he has stuck with Morris charge, who he rode to victory in last season’s Betfred Bowl at Aintree.

“First Lieutenant put in a fine run when second in the Lexus and puts in a great performance every day he runs. He takes a couple of runs to get to himself and when he comes to himself, then he shows his true colours”, Cooper said of his Hennessy mount.

“He’s known for putting in some spectacular jumps. He’s a thrill to ride, never mind watch. Hopefully he can perform well on Sunday.”

The field is completed by last years RSA Chase 1st and 2nd, Lord Windermere and Lyreen Legend, recent Kinloch Brae winner Texas Jack and the 13yo Tidal Bay, who is the sole British representative for Paul Nicholls and will be ridden by Ruby Walsh.

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