Rule Supreme beats Beef

Rule Supreme put in a strong display to win

Rule Supreme put a dent in Beef Or Salmon's Cheltenham Gold Cup hopes with victory in the Irish Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown.

David Casey's mount, who went off at 11-2 second favourite, jumped superbly to beat the odds-on favourite.

The pair had broke away from the rest of the field with two fences to go but Beef Or Salmon hesitated badly at the last giving Rule Supreme the advantage.

The winner jumped the last strongly and powered away on the run-in.

Beef or Salmon's jockey Paul Carberry had to act quickly five fences from home when his mount was hampered by the fall of Pizarro.

Carberry managed to stay on board but Beef Or Salmon lost a couple of strides.

He got back on terms to have every chance but Rule Supreme made up for his fall at the last in December's Lexus Chase for the success.

"He kept coming for me today and he was very good," said Casey after the win.

"The horse is very well in himself and we always knew he had the ability to win a race like this.

"I kept him wide as I always do and although I saw Pizarro fall I wasn't aware of what happened to Beef Or Salmon. "I knew Paul would be following me but I got a good jump at the second-last and I know he stays all day so I though I would put it up to Beef Or Salmon and see what happened."

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Hennessy Gold Cup, Leopardstown
1. Rule Supreme (D J Casey) 11-2
2. Beef Or Salmon (P Carberry) 8-15f
7 ran