Spillane’s Tower put Grand Nationwide-winning coach Jimmy Mangan again within the big-race winner’s enclosure after claiming the WillowWarm Gold Cup at Fairyhouse.
The County Cork handler saddled Monty’s Move to win the world’s most well-known steeplechase in 2003, whereas his solely earlier Grade One success got here on this race 5 years later with Conna Fortress.
The JP McManus-owned Spillane’s Tower had received two of his 5 earlier outings over fences, together with a Grade Three at Punchestown, earlier than discovering the reopposing Bloody Future too sturdy within the Flyingbolt Novice Chase at Navan 4 weeks in the past.
Bloody Future was the marginal favorite to verify his superiority at 6-4, however 7-4 shot Spillane’s Tower took his revenge within the arms of Mark Walsh, travelling strongly for a lot of the two-and-half-mile contest earlier than knuckling down to attain by a size and three-quarters.
Tactical Transfer beat his Willie Mullins-trained stablemate Blood Future to the runner-up spot.
Mangan mentioned: “From day one we have favored this horse and he is taken to fences very well. I am so delighted for the lads at residence within the yard, Pat Murphy rides him every single day, and the McManus household for sending him to me.
“We solely have a couple of dozen horses and most of them are pointers. This horse is just a six-year-old and his future is forward of him. When the bottom dries, he’ll go residence to Martinstown and subsequent yr would be the plan.
“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 he or she mentioned the bottom is a bit cheesy, extra so on the hurdle course than the chase, so I used to be blissful sufficient.
“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.”