Spillane's Tower lands Cotswold Chase for Jimmy Mangan at Cheltenham

Spillane’s Tower put himself in the Cheltenham Gold Cup picture as he gave Conna trainer Jimmy Mangan a memorable success in the Grade 2 Betfair Cotswold Chase on Trials day at Cheltenham. 

Mangan's stable star has always promised to go right to the top of the chasing tree. Last season proved to be somewhat stop-start. In essence, something of a false dawn, after a superb effort in the 2024 John Durkan at Punchestown. 

However, he underperformed subsequently at Kempton in the King George Chase. There was enormous promise gleaned from his recent outing over hurdles at Punchestown on New Year's Eve. That proved to be a perfect pipe opener for today after an earlier disappointment at Naas in November.

The ground conditions came right for Spillanes Tower at Prestbury Park. Jack Kennedy was content to allow last year's winner L’Homme Presse to dictate out in front. 

The diminutive Grey Dawning drifted alarmingly in the market in the lead-up. He eventually went off the uneasy evens favourite, having been as short as 1-2.

His fate was sealed with a bad mistake at the penultimate fence. In contrast, Jack Kennedy exuded confidence throughout on Spillanes Tower. 

He came there with a double handful cruising on the run to the final fence The JP McManus-owned 11/4 winner had been well backed in the offices at all rates from 5/1 down. 

To his credit, L’Homme Presse refused to yield without a fight. However, it was the Cork raider who prevailed by three-quarters of a length after a terrific tussle up the famous Cheltenham hill.

RETURN OF FORM

Spillanes Tower had ended last season finishing second to Galopin Des Champs in the Punchestown Gold Cup. Saturday's return to that level of form has put him firmly in contention for what appears to be a particularly open Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup at the upcoming Cheltenham Festival. 

He is 20/1 with Ladbrokes for the Gold Cup and 14/1 with Bet365. Spillanes Tower is 33/1 with Boylesports to give Mangan a second Grand National in April.

Mangan's biggest success came with Monty's Pass, ridden by Barry Geraghty, in the Aintree Grand National in 2003. At Listowel, the previous September Month's Pass had also won the Guinness Kerry National at Listowel. 

Mangan has also enjoyed notable success with Conna Castle in the Powers Gold Cup at Fairyhouse in 2008 and Whinstone Boy in the Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park in 2010. 

Speaking afterwards, Mangan was quick to indicate the importance of this. 

It means everything to the yard. I only have 10 horses in training. I’m grateful to the McManus family for sending him to me.

"We had everything going for us today. Venetia’s horse made the race for us going a good nice gallop because he’s not a horse who can make the running."

The Unibet Hurdle was marred by an injury to Sir Gino sporting the colours of Cork owners Joe and Marie Donnelly. 

Billed as a match with The New Lion, Sir Gino landed awkwardly at the top of the hill and Nico de Boinville pulled him up. Nemean Lion and Brentford Hope kept The New Lion honest before he eventually prevailed by a length and a half.