Delta Work reasserts authority over Gold Cup rivals to set up Cheltenham bid

Delta Work reasserted his authority over Kemboy and Presenting Percy to secure a thrilling first Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup triumph in commanding style for Gordon Elliott and Jack Kennedy.

After Faugheen had brought the house down half an hour earlier, the day's €225,000 feature event had a tough act to follow. However, the three protagonists all stepped up to the plate to treat an enraptured Leopardstown crowd to another majestic spectacle.

Given that Kemboy was making his seasonal debut when fourth to Delta Work in the Savills Chase over Christmas, the school of thought that held he would come forward exponentially saw him again sent off favourite at odds of 5-4. Presenting Percy, fifth in the Savills, was also expected to bring a more forceful challenge.

In fairness, both horses upped their game, but so did Delta Work. Under another beautifully nuanced Kennedy steer, he led under a hands-and-heels drive as the final fence loomed.

Watch Delta Work land the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup

Kemboy was keeping him honest under Paul Townend on the outside and Davy Russell had eased Presenting Percy into contention by stealth down the inner. It was there for any of them, but Delta Work's response when Kennedy took the gloves off was generous.

He kept finding all the way to the line to repel Kemboy by a length and a half, as Presenting Percy's run again petered out late on. Both horses certainly got closer, but not close enough.

It was a thoroughly convincing performance that solidified Delta Work's Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup credentials. Lamentably, the gloss was taken off it when Kennedy was taken to hospital with a broken leg following a fall from Dallas Des Pictons in the handicap chase that followed.

Delta Work jumps the last ahead of Kemboy (left) and Presenting PercyCredit: Alain Barr

Kennedy faces an uphill struggle to be fit to partner Delta Work in the sport's marquee event at the Cheltenham Festival on March 13. It is the 20-year-old's fourth broken leg in his short career, and he also suffered a second collarbone fracture only last autumn.

His mount was trimmed across the board to deliver Elliott a second win in the race and is as low as 4-1 joint favourite with Al Boum Photo in places.

"We knew that for the last couple of seasons he has improved for his runs," Elliott stressed subsequently. "We missed this meeting last year and went straight to Cheltenham with him, which might not have been ideal.

"You knew Kemboy was going to improve and Presenting Percy. They were the top three in the betting and they were the first three home, but I think Delta Work is improving all the time and he was foot perfect there.

"It's all systems go now for the Gold Cup. The extra couple of furlongs in the Gold Cup will be right up his street. He's relaxing better now and is a grinder; there's nothing flashy about him but he gets it done. He's bang up there with the best three-mile chasers now."

Cadmium and La Bague Au Roi had taken the field along early, with Kemboy chasing them. Kennedy dropped Delta Work in and Russell followed him around, but the straightforward manner in which the winner went about his business was noteworthy.

He is beginning to look a very reliable prospect who, at seven years of age, is coming to the peak of his powers at just the right time.

"He needs racing and improves from race to race, so hopefully there's more in him," said Eddie O'Leary of owners Gigginstown House Stud, who were winning the race for a third time.

"It has been a lucky race for us. All the big guns seemed to be shaping up for it today, so it was a proper race, and in fairness to Leopardstown they were criticised yesterday but they've done a fantastic job with the ground for today. Myself and Gordon walked the track this morning and we were very impressed."

Delta Work: bidding for back-to-back Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup victoriesCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Elliott was among those critical of the ground situation on Saturday. After his breakthrough victory in this Grade 1, he cut a more relieved figure.

"It's a great race to win and there was a lot of pressure coming here this week," he added. "To win this is brilliant. You can get wound up for these things and I do, so it's great when it happens."

Of Kemboy's effort, Willie Mullins said: "I was very happy with him. He'll go to the Gold Cup now and I'd hope he would improve again for the run. He had a tough race there and he stayed on to the line."

Presenting Percy's owner Philip Reynolds was a little less encouraged after his nine-year-old was beaten nearly five lengths in third.

"I was disappointed when he was beaten here at Christmas, so why should I not be disappointed again?" he pondered. "There might be a bit of improvement to come from him but that would be true of the winner as well. Maybe that's as good as he is."

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