Mullins retains belief in last year's star chaser Kemboy in Irish Gold Cup

3.30 Leopardstown
Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup | Grade 1 | 3m | 5yo+ | RTE1/RTV

Willie Mullins believes Kemboy is the one they all have to beat as he seeks to continue his remarkable record in one of the most prestigious races in the Irish jump racing calendar.

Bellshill's last-gasp success in the race 12 months ago was his tenth triumph and Ireland's champion trainer thinks win number 11 could be on the way courtesy of the horse who topped the Anglo-Irish classifications for staying chasers last season.

Although beaten into fourth in the Savills Chase over course and distance at the Christmas festival, Kemboy is expected to improve considerably for that run according to Mullins.

The trainer said: "Kemboy's shown he likes the track and made a pleasing start to the season when fourth over the course and trip over Christmas. That run has brought him on and on the form he showed last season he looks the one to beat."

Kemboy: with Ruby Walsh after the jockey announced his retirement at PunchestownCredit: Caroline Norris

Last year's narrow winner Bellshill is back for more too, but he has plenty to prove after his lacklustre effort in the Savills Chase and has not looked the same horse since his victory in this race.

"Bellshill won the race last year but is facing a tougher task this time," admitted Mullins, who also suggested that his other representative, Cadmium, had a lot on his plate in this sort of company.

He said: "Cadmium will be going the distance for the first time. He looks to have plenty to do."

Key stat

Willie Mullins has won the Irish Gold Cup ten times and is the most successful trainer in the event's history.

What they say

Henry de Bromhead, trainer of Chris's Dream
He seems to be best fresh so we've kept him for this after he won the Troytown Chase so well at Navan. He seems in good form but we know it's a hot race.

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Delta Work
He was a top-class novice last year, winning three Grade 1s, and it was great to see him get his head back in front over Christmas. We think he thrives on racing so we're hoping he'll continue to get better as the season goes on. He's been in great form since Christmas and we've been very happy with him.

Jessica Harrington, trainer of Jett
He's done us proud all season and has been holding his form well. We all know how hot a race it is but he deserves to take his chance and he's in good form.

Pat Kelly (left) speaks to Davy Russell and Philip Reynolds at Gowran ParkCredit: Caroline Norris

Philip Reynolds, owner of Presenting Percy
I thought fence for fence in the Savills our jumping was better than Kemboy’s. Saying that, Kemboy is a course specialist and the dead three miles is probably the minimum Percy needs. He was beaten four lengths and finished a close fifth and I expect him to be more competitive this time. We'll be monitoring ground conditions.

Warren Greatrex, trainer of La Bague Au Roi
We know the size of the task ahead and she'll need the performance of her life, but she won there last year and we wouldn't be sending her back if we didn't think she could win again. She's got better with each run this season and I couldn't be happier with the form she's in at home. There's no Dicky Johnson sadly, but we've booked a top-class replacement in Mark Walsh and she's a very straightforward ride. We're giving it everything we've got.

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