Racing:Paul Nolan's Joncol started his season in the best possible fashion when beating Cooldine in some style in the John Meagher Memorial Chase at Thurles.
Willie Mullins’s Cooldine was sent off a narrow favourite, possibly because he was in receipt of 10lb from the former Irish Hennessy winner.
Champion jockey Paul Townend set out to make all on Cooldine, who jumped well at the head of affairs on his first start since pulling up in the Lexus Chase.
He appeared to have Joncol in trouble turning into the straight but Barry Geraghty pulled his mount over to the far side and found an impressive turn of foot. The 7-4 chance jumped the last like a fresh horse and powered away to win by 12 lengths.
Roberto Goldback, having his first start for Dessie Hughes, travelled well for the most part but was eventually beaten a long way.
The winner was cut to 12-1 from 20s for the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury by Stan James.