Tag Archive for: Spillane’s Tower

Spillane’s Tower out to enhance impressive Punchestown record

/in /by

If course form stands for anything, Jimmy Mangan and connections of Spillane’s Tower have every right to be hopeful of a big run in the Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup on Wednesday.

From five visits to the Kildare track, the JP McManus-owned gelding has three victories and two second places, taking a Grade One on this card 12 months ago and splitting Fact To File and Galopin Des Champs on his reappearance in the John Durkan in November, after which he was fifth when favourite for the King George and then missed Cheltenham and Aintree.

Mangan said: “I was a small bit disappointed that we didn’t get to run in the Bowl (at Aintree). We were in the pre-parade ring and luckily Mark Walsh rode in the race previous and he hopped off and came over to Frank Berry and myself and said, ‘The ground is gone, Jimmy, withdraw the horse’.

“He had travelled over well and everything was 100 per cent and I was expecting a massive, big run out of him.

“It was great to win at the festival last year and he won his beginners’ chase there as well, and a Grade Three after that, so he loves Punchestown.”

Galopin Des Champs is again in opposition, although the Willie Mullins-trained gelding has twice been beaten in this race and comes here following a surprise defeat in his bid for a third Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Galopin Des Champs bids to make it third time lucky in the Punchestown Gold Cup
Galopin Des Champs bids to make it third time lucky in the Punchestown Gold Cup (Damien Eagers/PA)

“Galopin Des Champs knew he had a race after Cheltenham, but has had plenty of time to recover and seems back to himself now,” said Patrick Mullins, assistant trainer to his father Willie.

“Obviously, he’s trying to break his Punchestown Gold Cup hoodoo, but there’s not Fastorslow there this year, so hopefully he can finish out his season in style. But regardless, it’s been an incredible season for him and we are already looking forward to next year.”

Monty’s Star (Henry de Bromhead/Rachael Blackmore) was second to Spillane’s Tower here last year and takes his chance after finishing a creditable fourth in the blue riband at Cheltenham.

Blackmore told Betfair: “He ran a big race at this meeting last year, going down by three-parts of a length to Spillane’s Tower in the Grade One novice chase.

“Monty’s Star ran his race at Cheltenham to finish fourth in the Gold Cup and he has come out of the race really well. We don’t have a lot to find with Spillane’s Tower on their running at Punchestown last year and I hope that we can be bang there again.”

Joseph O’Brien’s King George winner Banbridge, who was seventh at Prestbury Park, completes the line-up.

Ryanair or wait for Aintree the conumdrum with Spillane’s Tower

/in /by

Trainer Jimmy Mangan is unsure whether his stable star Spillane’s Tower will head to the Cheltenham Festival in a fortnight’s time for a tilt at the Ryanair Chase.

A dual Grade One-winning novice over fences last season, the seven-year-old made an encouraging start to the new campaign when narrowly beaten by fellow JP McManus-owned rising star Fact To File in the John Durkan at Punchestown, with dual Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Galopin Des Champs back in third.

While Galopin Des Champs went on to turn the tables on stablemate Fact To File in both the Savills Chase and the Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown, Spillane’s Tower was favourite for the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day, but could only finish fifth and has not been seen since.

Having been not been entered for the Gold Cup, Spillane’s Tower is a 4-1 shot in Paddy Power’s non-runner no bet market for the Ryanair – but with Fact To File leading the way as the 6-4 favourite, Mangan could head elsewhere with his charge if connections feel that is the right move.

He said: “I don’t know if he’s going to Cheltenham or not yet. I’m gearing him up as though he is going there anyway, but I’ll be waiting for instructions from Frank (Berry, McManus’ racing manager).

“He’s in good form and everything and it all depends probably if Fact To File goes for the Ryanair. If he does I’ll probably go to Liverpool (Aintree), but if Fact To File goes for the Gold Cup I’ll probably head to Cheltenham.

“He’s coming back to himself grand and I’m happy enough to go over to Cheltenham if I’m told to go there. If not I would love Aintree for the Bowl.”

Spillane’s Tower only has Ryanair Chase option at Cheltenham

/in /by

The Ryanair Chase is the sole Cheltenham Festival option for Spillane’s Tower after connections decided against giving him an entry in the Boodles Gold Cup.

Having rounded off his novice season over fences with successive Grade One victories, Jimmy Mangan’s charge made a fine start in open company when narrowly denied by fellow JP McManus-owned rising star Fact To File in the John Durkan over an extended two miles and three furlongs at Punchestown.

While Fact To File went on to finish second to his dual Gold Cup-winning stablemate Galopin Des Champs in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown, Spillane’s Tower travelled to Kempton Park for the King George, finishing a slightly disappointing fifth after being sent off the 11-4 favourite.

While Mangan has not given up hope of Spillane’s Tower developing into a Gold Cup contender in the future, he feels this year’s renewal will come a year too soon.

“We felt he mightn’t just be up to the Gold Cup distance for another year,” he said.

“He’s only just turned seven, so he’s only a young horse and the three-mile-two might just take too much out of him for down the road.”

Mangan has yet to make any firm plans for his stable star, although a possible clash with Galopin Des Champs in the Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown next month is not out of the question.

He added: “We haven’t really made any plans. The Kempton race took a bit out of him, maybe he’ll go to the Leopardstown Festival, but we’ll see.”

Mangan feels Kempton just did not suit Spillane’s Tower

/in /by

Jimmy Mangan believes Spillane’s Tower failed to act on the track when beaten into fifth place in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.

A dual Grade One-winning novice over fences last season, the six-year-old made a hugely encouraging start to the new campaign when splitting fellow JP McManus-owned gelding Fact To File and his stablemate Galopin Des Champs in the John Durkan at Punchestown.

On the strength of that form, Spillane’s Tower was sent off favourite for Kempton’s festive showpiece, but struggled to keep up with the blistering pace set by French raider and eventual runner-up Il Est Francais and was ultimately well held.

Trainer Jimmy Mangan at Fairyhouse
Trainer Jimmy Mangan at Fairyhouse (Lorraine O’Sullivan/PA)

“He’s come back fine and to be fair, Mark Walsh said he just didn’t act on the course,” said Mangan.

“I see Willie (Mullins) was saying the same thing about his mare (Lossiemouth) as she didn’t perform on the track either (in the Christmas Hurdle). She was in trouble early on Paul Townend said, and that’s not like her.

“We were very pleased with our horse, especially when Mark Walsh said he didn’t act at all round the track.”

A couple of days after Spillane’s Tower’s unsuccessful trip to Britain, Fact To File and Galopin Des Champs renewed rivalry in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown, with the latter emphatically reversing the John Durkan form to ensure he is now a warm order to win a third Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Mangan feels his charge may have finished best of the rest behind the Willie Mullins-trained superstar had he run at Leopardstown and he could now take him on in the Irish Gold Cup in early February.

“I think if we’d gone to Leopardstown, he might have been second to Galopin Des Champs. We’ve seen two stars here in Leopardstown in Galopin Des Champs and the mare yesterday (Brighterdaysahead),” the trainer added.

“I’ll be speaking to Frank (Berry, owner’s racing manager) and see where we go, but he probably will have an entry in the Irish Gold Cup.

“There’s not a whole lot for him other than that, the odd conditions race or something over two and a half miles, so we’ll see.”

Mangan backing Tower to scale King George heights

/in /by

Jimmy Mangan is confident Spillane’s Tower “won’t be far away” in what looks a mouthwatering renewal of the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton Park.

A quality field of 11 runners are set to go to post for the Boxing Day highlight, with dual Grade One-winning novice Spillane’s Tower the sponsor’s favourite after pushing fellow JP McManus-owned rising star Fact To File all the way in an epic John Durkan at Punchestown last month.

With Fact To File poised for a fascinating rematch with his dual Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning stablemate Galopin Des Champs in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown after the latter was beaten into third in the John Durkan, McManus decided to split his aces and supplement Spillane’s Tower for the King George.

Mangan, who is no stranger to big-race success having saddled Monty’s Pass to win the Grand National 21 years ago, admitted it is a dream come true for him to be heading across the Irish Sea with a major contender for another of National Hunt racing’s most coveted prizes.

“I never thought I’d have a runner in the King George, let alone have a horse going there with a real live chance,” said the Cork-based trainer.

“He won two Grade Ones at the end of last year and if he repeats his super run in the John Durkan, which he will I hope, as he has come on a lot from that, he should run a big race.”

Mangan is expecting his stable star to strip significantly fitter for his excellent comeback effort and while conditions may be drier than ideal, he looks set to roll the dice.

“It’s been such a dry year, the schooling races in Tipperary were all cancelled because the ground was too firm, so he really hadn’t been on grass since the Punchestown Festival before he ran in the John Durkan,” Mangan added.

“Maybe we’d have liked a little bit softer ground, but once it’s good and safe I’ll be very happy.

“It’s a big plus Mark (Walsh) is coming over to ride him, no doubt about it. Fair dos, Jack Kennedy gave him a super ride the last day, but Mark knows the horse inside out.

“I would be nice to win a King George, but I’m under no illusions that he’s got to travel over well and everything has to go well.

“I think he’s entitled to dine at the top table and if everything goes according to plan, he won’t be far away.”

Il Est Francais was a brilliant winner of the Kauto Star Novices' Chase at Kempton last year
Il Est Francais was a brilliant winner of the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at Kempton last year (John Walton/PA)

French raider Il Est Francais and Dan Skelton’s Grey Dawning are among the leading rivals for Spillane’s Tower.

Il Est Francais, trained in partnership by Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm, was a brilliant winner of the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase over the course and distance 12 months ago, but returns to the Sunbury circuit with something to prove after being pulled up on his most recent outing at Auteuil.

The six-year-old’s Yorkshire-born jockey James Reveley said: “I’m looking forward to coming back, it was a great experience last year. The horse seems in good order and if he could come anywhere near last year’s performance it would be great.

“He seems fine in his morning work and it just depends what happens on the day really.

“He’s got his conditions as the track seemed to really suit him last year and decent ground suits. Everything is in his favour in that sense.”

Il Est Francais blitzed his rivals from the front last year. On whether similar tactics will be employed this time around, Reveley added: “The most important thing is getting him into a rhythm and travelling within himself wherever that might be, whether that’s in front or in behind. It’s important around Kempton to get into a good rhythm.

“I’ve never ridden in the King George before and it’s one of the biggest races of the year, so it’s exciting to be involved anyway.”

Grey Dawning appears the pick of the home team following a narrow defeat at the hands of Haydock specialist Royale Pagaille in the Betfair Chase last month.

Skelton initially ruled out a Christmas outing, but had a change of heart after his star chaser recovered from his Haydock exertions better than expected.

Grey Dawning in action at Haydock
Grey Dawning in action at Haydock (Ian Hodgson/PA)

“He’s been brilliant at home since. He’s done a couple of bits of work on the grass, his rider Tom Messenger, my assistant, is really happy with him, the physio is happy with him, I’m really surprised by how well he is,” said Skelton.

“To have him in this shape is more than I could have hoped for and I’m very excited about it – I’m quite positive, really. I’m really pleased with the position that we’re in and that we can come to this race.

“I feel like we’re in a good position. I’m not jumping up and down saying he’s going to win or he should be favourite, but I do feel like we’re in a pretty strong position going into it.

“I feel like we’re climbing the ladder, I just think he’s really good and wouldn’t swap him for anything.”

Desert Orchid after winning his fourth King George VI Chase
Desert Orchid after winning his fourth King George VI Chase (Adam Butler/PA)

The seven-year-old will be bidding to evoke memories of fellow grey Desert Orchid, who tasted King George glory four times between 1986 and 1990.

Skelton added: “My earliest racing memory was watching Desert Orchid win the King George in the fog. Obviously I wouldn’t be drawing comparisons to a horse like Desert Orchid, ever probably, let alone at this stage of his life, but a grey horse is great to watch and I’m sure he’ll be popular with the on-course public.

“We all do this to have proper horses, be they bay, chestnut, grey or whatever, we just want the best horses we can. But who knows, if he goes on to be a multiple Grade One winner, hopefully he can became a household name – but he’s got a long way to go yet.”

Big guns stand ground among bumper field for King George crown

/in /by

Grey Dawning, Il Est Francais and Spillane’s Tower are among 11 runners declared for the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day.

Dan Skelton’s Grey Dawning, winner of the Turners Novices’ Chase at last season’s Cheltenham Festival, looks the pick of the home team after being touched off by Haydock specialist Royale Pagaille in last month’s Betfair Chase.

Il Est Francais, trained in France by Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm, was sublime in landing the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase over the King George course and distance 12 months ago, and merits huge respect despite being pulled up at Auteuil last time out.

Il Est Francais is joined by stablemate General En Chef, who ran with credit when fourth on his British debut in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury, with David Cottin’s supplemented contender Juntos Ganamos also hoping to become the first French-trained winner of the King George since First Gold in 2000.

A formidable Irish contingent is headed by Spillane’s Tower, a dual Grade One-winning novice for Jimmy Mangan last season and narrowly denied by fellow JP McManus-owned rising star Fact To File in the John Durkan at Punchestown a month ago.

Despite concerns about drying ground, Spillane’s Tower (Mark Walsh) was added to the King George field last week. The McManus colours will also be carried by the Emmet Mullins-trained Corbetts Cross, with top amateur Derek O’Connor back on board for the first time since steering him to a 17-length victory in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham in March.

Spillane's Tower is part of a strong Irish challenge
Spillane’s Tower is part of a strong Irish challenge (Lorraine O’Sullivan/PA)

Joseph O’Brien’s Banbridge and Henry de Bromhead’s Envoi Allen also make the journey across the Irish Sea, but last year’s winner Hewick has not been declared, with connections opting to instead run him over hurdles at Leopardstown later in the week.

The 2022 King George hero Bravemansgame bids to regain his crown and provide trainer Paul Nicholls with a record-extending 14th victory in the race.

The field is completed by L’Homme Presse, who makes his first appearance since finishing fourth in last season’s Cheltenham Gold Cup for Venetia Williams, and Patrick Neville’s Charlie Hall Chase winner The Real Whacker, who will be partnered by Gavin Sheehan, who steered Hewick to glory 12 months ago.

Spillane’s Tower among trio added to King George field

/in /by

Spillane’s Tower has been supplemented for the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day.

The Jimmy Mangan-trained six-year-old was a Grade One winner at both Fairyhouse and the Punchestown Festival last season. He found only fellow rising JP McManus-owned star Fact To File too good in his return to action in the John Durkan Memorial back at the Kildare track, with dual Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Galopin Des Champs behind him in third.

McManus has another string to his King George bow in the shape of Corbetts Cross, trained by Emmet Mullins, while Dan Skelton has been upbeat about the chance of Betfair Chase runner-up Grey Dawning.

Also still in contention is Il Est Francais, who was so brilliant in winning the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase on this card 12 months ago. He is trained by Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm, who could also be represented by Coral Gold Cup fourth General En Chef.

Another from France is Juntos Ganamos, who is held in high regard by trainer David Cottin and like Spillane’s Tower has been supplemented at a cost of £4,600.

There is a third supplementary in the form of Patrick Neville’s stable star The Real Whacker, who finished fourth last year and returns off the back of winning the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby.

Venetia Williams is double-handed, with Royale Pagaille and L’Homme Presse, while Henry de Bromhead has Envoi Allen and Joseph O’Brien has Banbridge, who was giving Energumene a real race when unseating at the last in the Hilly Way Chase at Cork.

Last year’s winner Hewick could bid to repeat his flying finish of 12 months ago. He is trained by Tara Lee Cogan as Shark Hanlon serves a six-month suspension.

Another former winner in contention again is Bravemansgame for Paul Nicholls. Completing the 14 possibles is Lucinda Russell’s Ahoy Senor.

Late call to be made on Spillane’s Tower supplementary decision

/in /by

Connections will wait until Friday morning before deciding whether to supplement Spillane’s Tower for the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase.

Jimmy Mangan’s stable star is the 4-1 second-favourite with the race sponsors after filling the runner-up spot behind fellow JP McManus-owned chaser Fact To File in the John Durkan at Punchestown.

Also a dual Grade One winner as a novice over fences last season, Spillane’s Tower would clearly be a major contender for the Boxing Day showpiece at Kempton Park, but the McManus team are keen to see some ease in the ground before making a final call on whether to add him to the field at a cost of £4,600.

Corbetts Cross on his way to winning the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham
Corbetts Cross on his way to winning the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham (David Davies/The Jockey Club)

Either way McManus is set to be represented in a race he won for the first and only time to date with French star First Gold 24 years ago, with the Emmet Mullins-trained Corbetts Cross confirmed as an intended runner.

“At the minute Corbetts Cross is on course to go there and we’ll just check the ground in the morning for Spillane’s Tower and see what they’re saying,” the owner’s racing manager Frank Berry said on Thursday.

“If it’s soft he’ll probably be supplemented. You’d want to see the word soft in it, definitely.

“It’s decision time in the morning, so we’ll take it from there.”

The going at Kempton was described as good to soft, good in places on Thursday afternoon following three millimetres of rain overnight. There is a risk of showers every day until Monday, with Christmas Day and Boxing Day looking mild and dry with sunny periods.

Fact To File and jockey Mark Walsh after winning the John Durkan at Punchestown
Fact To File and jockey Mark Walsh after winning the John Durkan at Punchestown (Niall Carson/PA)

McManus has a wealth of talent in the staying chase division this season, with Fact To File the current ante-post favourite for the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

With Corbetts Cross and possibly Spillane’s Tower pencilled in for Kempton, the Willie Mullins-trained Fact To File looks set for a mouthwatering rematch with stablemate Galopin Des Champs in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown on Saturday week, having beaten him into third place in the John Durkan.

Berry, who also confirmed the Savills Chase as the likely comeback target of Grand National hero I Am Maximus, admits deciding how to split their horses is a high-class problem.

“Fact To File and I Am Maximus look to be going to Leopardstown,” he added.

“It’s a good problem to have, but with the dry winter it has left things a bit congested for us.”

Mangan: Ground needs to be right for Spillane’s Tower at Christmas

/in /by

Conditions will be key to plans for Spillane’s Tower, with trainer Jimmy Mangan warning his charge will only take in a Christmas outing if there is enough ease in the ground.

Frank Berry, racing manager for owner JP McManus, has indicated Spillane’s Tower could be supplemented for the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase after finishing a fine second to another McManus runner Fact To File in the John Durkan Memorial Chase last month.

Both horses are entered for the Savills Chase at Leopardstown over the Christmas period but with the McManus team eager to split their aces, Spillane’s Tower could make the trip to Kempton if the going is suitable.

Mangan told the Nick Luck Daily Podcast: “He’s been in great form. We’re very happy with him and it’s all going well for Christmas, provided the rain comes.

“If I saw the word good (in the going), I would be worried. I would think (the race) will suit him and Kempton would suit him as well.”

Spillane’s Tower ran seven times as a novice last term, winning in Grade One company at both Fairyhouse and Punchestown, outings which Mangan believes proved crucial in showing his best in the Durkan, despite not having had a perfect preparation.

He added: “He did get lots of experience last year and it stood to him there in the John Durkan, you could see that he was very professional. It’s just been a troublesome year really as you can’t go on grass and he hadn’t been seen on it from April until Punchestown because the ground is so hard.

“Saying that, he jumped very well in Punchestown and he’s naturally a good jumper, he usually very good.

“I knew he’d be there (in the Durkan) but he was only about 90 per cent fit because I couldn’t get him away on grass, he was only on the all-weather gallop to get him reasonably fit but he was about 90 per cent, so I wasn’t surprised he weakened a bit up the straight.

“I’ll be in touch with Frank and JP but they are brilliant people and horse comes first, so if the ground on either of the two tracks (Kempton and Leopardstown) is on the tight side, he will probably stay in his stable.”

Spillane’s Tower is the general 3-1 favourite the King George, ahead of Dan Skelton’s Grey Dawning at 7-2.

McManus team to pause before plotting Durkan duo plan

/in /by

Connections of Fact To File and Spillane’s Tower are in no rush to decide on future plans after the JP McManus-owned pair fought out a thrilling finish to the John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase.

Both Grade One winners in novice events over fences last season, the pair graduated to open company with honours in Sunday’s elite level feature, with the Willie Mullins-trained Fact To File getting the better of Jimmy Mangan’s Spillane’s Tower by half a length.

With the winner’s dual Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning stablemate Galopin Des Champs back in third, the form could hardly be stronger and McManus’ racing manager Frank Berry is looking forward to seeing what both horses can achieve over the rest of the campaign.

“We were delighted with both horses, it was a cracking race. Both horses jumped well and finished out the race nicely, so you couldn’t be happier with them,” he said.

“I thought the third horse (Galopin Des Champs) ran a blinder over the trip. He’s the one they all have to beat and he ran a cracker, but we’re delighted with our horses and hopefully they’ll come out of the race good.”

Whether the team are able to split up Fact To File and Spillane’s Tower next time remains to be seen, with the Savills Chase at Leopardstown the obvious target for both.

Spillane's Tower ran an excellent race in defeat
Spillane’s Tower ran an excellent race in defeat (Lorraine O’Sullivan/PA)

The King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day is an alternative and would give McManus the option of splitting his aces, but neither horse is entered at this stage.

Berry added: “We’re going to sit on it for a week or 10 days, see how they come out of the race and make some decisions for around Christmas then.

“We’re not getting carried away, we’ll just see if the trainers are happy with both of them and see where we want to go.”

Spillane’s Tower digs deep to complete Grade One double

/in /by

Spillane’s Tower made it back-to-back Grade One victories for trainer Jimmy Mangan with a determined display in the Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Chase at Punchestown.

Best known as the trainer of 2003 Grand National hero Monty’s Pass, Mangan was claiming his first top-level success in 16 years when this JP McManus-owned gelding landed the WillowWarm Gold Cup at Fairyhouse on Easter Sunday, with Conna Castle his only previous Grade One winner in the same race in 2008.

Stepping up to three miles for the first time, Spillane’s Tower was a 5-2 joint-favourite for his latest big-race assignment and came out on top after a titanic tussle with market rival Monty’s Star.

Three Card Brag took the field along for much of the way before the big two settled down to fight it out in the straight.

While Spillane’s Tower travelled the better of the pair, Monty’s Star, who found only the much-heralded Fact To File too strong in the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, dug deep to stay in the fight, but Mangan’s charge proved three-quarters of a length too strong.

Paddy Power reacted by cutting Spillane’s Tower’s odds for next year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup to 16-1 from 33-1. McManus has several contenders for the blue riband, with 4-1 shot Fact To File, 10-1 chance Inothewayurthinkin and 20-1 hope Corbetts Cross also in the mix at this early stage.

Mangan paid tribute to the successful owner, stating: “JP, what a man for racing. Without the ammunition, you can’t fire the gun.

“There’s nothing like this, it’s a wonderful game. For the McManus’ to breed the horse and everything is the icing on the cake. I’m delighted to be delivering the goods for them.

“He looked the real deal (when I got him) and I said ‘if there’s an engine inside that body, we’re away’. Thankfully, there is. What an engine he’s got, he’s got class to burn.

Spillane's Tower
Spillane’s Tower and the winning connections (Gary Carson/PA)

“I was confident, we’ve never lost confidence in this horse. He’s only six and hopefully his future is well ahead of him.

“He dealt with that (ground) fine but I wouldn’t like to run him on tight ground, as he’s a big horse. It was my worry all week and I was delighted to see it rain.

“He had won here during the winter on heavy ground and I wouldn’t like to chance him on firm ground. When the rain came, I had no excuses.

“We had tried him at two miles but he was telling us all the time that he wanted further. He won at two-and-a-half and he was always going away at the finish.

“We can dream during the summer now, hopefully all goes well and we’ll be looking forward to the autumn.

“I was coming near to the end of the road but this really puts me back on the motorway again! All the big days are special, but Punchestown is special.”

McManus added: “Jimmy and his team have done a great job with him. It’s wonderful to be here today and sharing it with them and their family.

“They are great for racing and you can see when they win a race how enthusiastic the crowd are.”

Tower-ing success puts Jimmy Mangan in Grade One spotlight

/in /by

Spillane’s Tower put Grand National-winning trainer Jimmy Mangan back in the big-race winner’s enclosure after claiming the WillowWarm Gold Cup at Fairyhouse.

The County Cork handler saddled Monty’s Pass to win the world’s most famous steeplechase in 2003, while his only previous Grade One success came in this race five years later with Conna Castle.

The JP McManus-owned Spillane’s Tower had won two of his five previous outings over fences, including a Grade Three at Punchestown, before finding the reopposing Bloody Destiny too strong in the Flyingbolt Novice Chase at Navan four weeks ago.

Bloody Destiny was the marginal favourite to confirm his superiority at 6-4, but 7-4 shot Spillane’s Tower took his revenge in the hands of Mark Walsh, travelling strongly for much of the two-and-half-mile contest before knuckling down to score by a length and three-quarters.

Tactical Move beat his Willie Mullins-trained stablemate Blood Destiny to the runner-up spot.

Mangan said: “From day one we’ve liked this horse and he’s taken to fences really well. I’m so delighted for the lads at home in the yard, Pat Murphy rides him every day, and the McManus family for sending him to me.

“We only have about a dozen horses and most of them are pointers. This horse is only a six-year-old and his future is ahead of him. When the ground dries he’ll go home to Martinstown and next year will be the plan.

Mark Walsh and connections after winning the WillowWarm Gold Cup with Spillane’s Tower
Mark Walsh and connections after winning the WillowWarm Gold Cup with Spillane’s Tower (Lorraine O’Sullivan/PA)

“I couldn’t see why he wouldn’t stay three miles, but that will be for next year. He’s by a great sire in Walk In The Park.

“I spoke to Jody Townend and she said the ground is a bit tacky, more so on the hurdle course than the chase, so I was happy enough.

“Willie is an incredible trainer and a gentleman into the bargain. He even wished me well before the race today and vice versa, I wished him well.”

Tower-ing performance floors Blood Destiny

/in /by

Spillane’s Tower inflicted a shock defeat on red-hot favourite Blood Destiny in the Betting Better With SkyBet Novice Chase at Punchestown.

The Grade Three contest has an illustrious roll of honour in recent years, with Carefully Selected, Envoi Allen, Bob Olinger and Impervious the last four winners, and the Willie Mullins-trained Blood Destiny was a 2-5 shot to add his name to the list following an impressive fencing debut at Naas.

Just as he did a month ago, Blood Destiny set out to make every yard of the running in the hands of Paul Townend, and for much of the two-and-a-half-mile contest he appeared in complete control.

However, it became clear on the run to the final fence he had a real race on his hands as Mark Walsh conjured a late charge from Spillane’s Tower (7-1), who was bidding for back-to-back course wins for trainer Jimmy Mangan and owner JP McManus.

Blood Destiny was still in the lead jumping the final fence, but he was unable to resist Spillane’s Tower’s finishing kick, with two lengths separating the pair at the line.

The winning owner’s racing manager, Frank Berry, said: “He jumped well, they went a good gallop and he stayed well. You could only be pleased with him.

“I’d say the step up in trip was a big help to him. Mark said he was a bit flat out early on but he got home well.

“We’ve no plans, we’ll see where he goes and where he slots in. It’s nice to see Jimmy with a nice horse, all his runs have been good and he’s improving all the time. It was a nice performance.”