Lexus trio may clash again in Hennessy

Paul Nicholls’ Lexus hero Tidal Bay is one of the 16 entries in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown on February 9.

Galvanised by Ruby Walsh to come home first in a dramatic finish to the Christmas highlight over course and distance, Tidal Bay could face a rematch with two of the other three horses involved in the conclusion.

Peter Casey’s popular Flemenstar (third) and Sir Des Champs (fourth) have both been entered, with the latter’s trainer Willie Mullins having won the last two renewals of Irish jumping’s flagship race, and eight in total.