Joncol to bid for Gold repeat

Paul Nolan is keeping his fingers crossed Joncol has a smooth preparation in his bid to land back-to-back victories in the Hennessy Gold Cup in February.

The Co Wexford trainer admitted it had been no easy ride getting Joncol ready for the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown yesterday, so he was delighted with the horse’s effort in taking third place behind Pandorama.

“He’s very good and seems very well. We were very pleased with the run,” said Nolan.

“He had loads of setbacks so we were delighted to get him back on the track. We just want to keep him right now.

“All being well, his next run will be the Hennessy back at Leopardstown.”