O’Brien holds strong hand in Hennessy

MICHAEL O’BRIEN will hold an exceptionally strong hand in Saturday’s Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Leopardstown with two runners, including the likely favourite In Compliance.

The second-season novice has always been held in the highest esteem by his trainer and although he was a little disappointing a couple of times at the end of the last campaign, he has been faultless this time around.

After winning easily at Down Royal, he then readily defeated Cheltenham Gold Cup winner War Of Attrition in the John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase in December.