Collonges claims Argento honours

Neptune Collonges earned himself the right to at least another supporting role in the Gold Cup after the often-discounted grey returned to the winner’s enclosure for the first time in nearly two years in the Argento Chase at Cheltenham.

Three times successful in Irish Grade Ones, Neptune Collonges ran with credit to place behind his better-known stable companions Denman and Kauto Star at the 2008 and 2009 Festivals and this reawakening display looks to have scotched any possibility of an alternative bid for the Grand National.