Notre Pere comes out tops in Guinness Gold Cup

Notre Pere awarded trainer Jim Dreaper for his patience on Wednesday, taking the 2009 Guinness Gold Cup at the Punchestown Festival.

Notre Pere, who was withdrawn from the Irish Grand National due to fast ground, had no match in the Guinness Gold Cup as he romped to a 13 length victory over a strong field.

Antepost favourite, Imperial Commander, pulled up halfway through the race, with War of Attrition also pulling up while Miko De Beauchene  crashed out of the the Guinness Gold Cup seven fences from home.

“The ground came right for him today and although it may not have helped the other guys, we had him bang on for this,” Dreaper said after the race.

“I was very happy with him beforehand and he has done it really well. It didn’t suit us to go on when we did, but he wouldn’t have to do that in a Gold Cup.”

“He would have a chance in a heavy-ground Gold Cup. He would run in the race on yielding but to have any chance of winning it would have to be soft.”

“He is rated in the 160s whereas Kauto Star and Denman are in the 170s, but he is the best I have got and the best there is in Ireland.’”