Hennessy joy at Sublimity’s success
The 11-year-old was Hennessy’s first triumph as a trainer when he won the December Festival Hurdle at Leopardstown in 2008.
Sublimity had since been absent from the winner’s enclosure but, dropped in class, he reeled in another former Cheltenham hero, Newmill, to provide connections with some Festive cheer.
“I think the horse is in better shape than me, I’ve a bit of a hangover,” said Hennessy.
“I was absolutely delighted to get another win out of him. The race was tailor made for him. On paper he looked a good thing, but it is always easier said than done.
“Newmill deserves a lot of credit. I think the boys thought with him being 13 they’d let him go but he stuck at it well – he’s as tough as old boots.
“We’ll look at the Limestone Lad Hurdle at Naas on Saturday week. That’s over two miles and three furlongs but Andrew Lynch said that distance should not be a problem.
“We’ll look at the Irish Champion Hurdle and see how that cuts up, too.
“He’s bucking and kicking this morning so there’s life in him yet.”
Meanwhile, Michael Hourigan will for the time being play it safe with his useful-looking prospect Mr Cracker.
A winner of three of his four starts over regulation fences, the six-year-old was particularly impressive on his most recent start at Limerick when he ran his three rivals into the ground for a distance victory in the Grade Two Greenmount Park Novice Chase.
Mr Cracker is entered in the Frank Ward Solicitors Arkle Novice Chase at Leopardstown on January 23, while Hourigan mentioned after Limerick his main target could be the Powers Gold Cup at Fairyhouse.
“We want to look after him this season, and there’s no real plan at the moment,” said Hourigan.
