The Hennessy Gold Cup is one of jump racing’s most prestigious contests and, even this early in the season, a bona fide trial for the Grand National in April. A fact never better emphasised by Many Clouds’ victory in 2014 – Oliver Sherwood’s stayer did, of course, go on to win the big race itself at Aintree just over four months later.
Hennessy Gold Cup History
First run in 1957, the Hennessy has delivered a roll of honour littered with stars of the equine world. The late, great Lord John Oaksey rode first winner Mandarin, who won it again in 1961. The great Arkle won it twice but his defeats by Mill House and Stalbridge Colonist are just as memorable. Cheltenham Gold Cup winners Bregawn and Burrough Hill Lad were also successful, as was the mighty Denman. Paul Nicholls’ huge stayer won it twice under a welter burden and 2012 winner Bob’s Worth would also go on to glory at Cheltenham.
Hennessy Gold Cup Trends
If there is one significant trend to emerge in the last 10 years, it is the fact that only superstar Denman has managed to win the Hennessy Gold Cup when aged nine or older. Only two winners have been older than seven so this is very much a race for up-and-coming staying chasers. Since 2005, only two winners have carried less than 11st 1lb to victory so class is coming to the fore. Barry Geraghty has ridden two of the last three winners for Nicky Henderson but is retained by J P McManus this year for If In Doubt (a best 8/1).
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The big problem for Saphir Du Rheu is the raising of the weights. He has to give 7lb and upwards to his rivals and these tough obstacles will test his jumping – he still tends to hurdle some of his fences and has never won at Newbury. Bobs Worth’s advancing years have to be a concern, though he’s thrown in on his old form and won recently over hurdles. However, a best 6/1 offers little value.
Smad Place and The Druids Nephew finished behind runner-up Houblon Des Obeaux in the race 12 months ago and are worse off at the weights. Fingal Bay was pulled up but later found to have broken a blood vessel, though he’s never really fulfilled early potential.
THE YOUNG MASTER couldn’t live with Saphir Du Rheu on his reappearance at Carlisle but was forced to make his own running and is now 12lb better off, if rider Sam Waley-Cohen’s claim is taken into account. The longer distance will suit Neil Mulholland’s six-year-old just as much as the Paul Nicholls horse and he impressed recently in a schooling session with stablemate The Druids Nephew – the general 10/1 looks excellent value.
Hennessy Gold Cup Best Odds
Saphir Du Rheu (4/1), Bobs Worth (6/1), Smad Place (6/1), If In Doubt (8/1), The Young Master (10/1), Fingal Bay, Ned Stark, The Druids Nephew and Houblon Des Obeaux (14/1), Theatre Guide and First Lieutenant (20/1), Urano (33/1), Benbens and The Giant Bolster (40/1), Splash of Ginge and Fox Appeal (50/1), Al Co (100/1)
