Hennessy still on Exotic Dancer’s radar
The big three-mile chase has been put back seven days due to frozen snow on the track as officials acted quickly to save the three Grade Ones on the card.
Connections of Exotic Dancer are still keen to take the Lexus Chase winner back to the Dublin course, although he did hold an entry in the Aon Chase which has been moved from Newbury to Kempton tomorrow.
“We obviously considered Kempton, but it’s a big difference going to Kempton than going to Newbury,” said Barry Simpson, racing manager to owner Sir Robert Ogden.
“I don’t think Kempton would have suited him as well as Newbury, but our plan all along was to go to Ireland.
“We’re sticking to it and just hope that the weather’s kind next week.”
Nick Mitchell also reported regular Irish visitor The Listener to be on target for a third crack at the race having won it last year and been second in 2007.
“All things being equal, he’ll be there next week,” said the Dorchester trainer.
The Listener was a faller in the Lexus last time but has pleased Mitchell since having a refresher course with jumping guru Yogi Breisner.
“It all went very well. He was only there for about an hour. We’ve schooled him at home since and he’s been fine,” the trainer added.
Meanwhile champion trainer Paul Nicholls is choosing between the Hennessy and the Country Gentlemen’s Association Chase at Wincanton on Saturday week for Neptune Collonges.
Horse Racing Ireland have stated original entries for the Hennessy, the Deloitte Novice Hurdle and the Dr PJ Moriarty Novice Chase stand while fresh forfeits and supplementary entries have to be made by 12 noon on Tuesday, February 10 as must entries for the supporting races on the card.
Declarations to run must be made by 10am on Friday, February 13.
The rescheduling of Leopardstown means next Sunday’s Navan card has now been transferred to Monday, February 16.
Entries for this meeting will now close by 12 noon on Wednesday, February 11 with declarations to run to be made by 10am on Sunday, February 15.
Horse Racing Ireland’s director of racing Jason Morris said: “It is obviously vitally important to retain Leopardstown’s Hennessy Gold Cup meeting on a day when the maximum possible crowd can attend.
“Leopardstown manager Tom Burke and Navan manager Darren Lawlor have worked together to ensure that both of these great racing fixtures go ahead, to the benefit of the racing public and the industry as a whole.”
