Cobden shines in green and gold at Cork

Harry Cobden and leading owner JP McManus were in double-winning form at Cork after Cornelienne and Love Me Tender both posted comfortable victories.

Cobden carried McManus’s green and gold silks to victory aboard Cornelienne (5-2) in the Paddy Power ‘Did You Watch The Breeders Cup At All?’ Mares Maiden Hurdle and he followed up on Love Me Tender (evens favourite) in the Grade Three Paddy Power Betting Shops Irish EBF Novice Chase.

Paul Nicholls’ former number one was impressed by the performance of the Mullins-trained chaser, who was having only a third start over the larger obstacles.

“He is only a small horse but jumped well and was very brave,” said Cobden. “At some of the fences he could have popped away, but had a good cut instead. He is clever enough, he needs to be, and did what he had to do.

“There wasn’t much speed so I let him roll along and although it’s only his third run over fences, he is straightforward and nearly rides like a handicapper.”

Asked for a likely programme for the improving five-year-old Cobden insisted that was down to the trainer, who was not present having been at the Breeders’ Cup on Saturday night.

“I don’t know the Irish programme book well enough to comment on plans, so I’ll leave that to Willie,” said Cobden. “Good ground is key to him though and I’m not sure if he’d want it too soft, which would be my only worry.”

Joseph O’Brien trains Cornelienne, who had been running on the Flat.

“I couldn’t fault her, and she was very fit and well and her previous run over hurdles had been when finishing behind that very good mare Bambino Fever,” said Cobden.

“She is only a five-year-old, although being Flat-bred, has probably been in training since a yearling. Hopefully she can progress.”

Mullins had earlier been on the scoresheet with Roc Dino (5-4 favourite) so celebrated a double of his own.

Paul Townend was on board the eight-length winner of the ListedPaddy Power “How Many Days ‘Til Christmas?” Irish EBF Novice Hurdle and said: “He had nice runs behind Mighty Park and El Cairos last season and is putting it together now.

“He has got confidence from winning and today’s (three-mile) trip was no problem to him, and maybe even improved him.

“Once he settled, I thought he would get this distance and he is a lovely slick jumper. You can put him where you like in races and he is a good fun horse who is progressing away nicely.

“He is versatile but being able to get three miles opens up options now. Hopefully he’ll keep improving because he’ll have to.”