The Paul Nolan-trained Joncol won a thrilling renewal of the Grade One Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown on Sunday.

Connections had decided to ride the seven year old with more restraint after fading into third in the Lexus Chase over Christmas, and jockey Alain Cawley executed the plan to perfection, challenging on the run in to collar Cooldine, getting up to win by a neck.