Condon brands Paul Hennessy 'a genius' after Heaven Help Us romps to victory

Just when the Cheltenham Festival was in danger of becoming a procession of short-priced winners, big-name trainers and expensively bought horses, the homebred Heaven Help Us and conditional rider Richie Condon popped up with a fairytale win for a greyhound trainer with three horses, Paul Hennessy.

What is more, Condon – whose cousin is former festival-winning jockey Davy Condon – barely saw another horse on his way to a solo success in what should have been one of the most competitive races of the week.

After two false starts, he was able to manoeuvre the 33-1 shot into an easy lead and they kicked clear after jumping the second-last fence for a dream success.

"I can't talk today, I'm absolutely speechless," said Condon. "All I can say is Paul Hennessy is a genius.

Richie Condon salutes the photographers after making every yard aboard Heaven Help Us in the Coral CupCredit: Tim Goode (Getty Images)

"It was unbelievable, with all the commotion down at the start I thought it was going to be a mad gallop. And when I landed over the first I had an easy lead the whole way to the finishing line.

"I was bred into the game that way. I did a stint in England, I went back to Ireland and things are going great back home. I'm delighted because this mare and Paul Hennessy have brought me to the next level."

Hennessy – who describes greyhound racing as his day job in County Kilkenny – was full of praise for Condon, who claimed 7lb off Heaven Help Us and became the first conditional to land the Coral Cup since a young Nico de Boinville on Whisper back in 2014.

Coral Cup: full race result and replay

"We took a chance and wasn't Richie brilliant?" said Hennessy. "He'd never ridden round here but he took the race by the scruff of the neck.

"I said to Richie jump her round, stay out of trouble and we think she'll stay. She is just amazing, I can't describe her. We bred her, she was born at home and I've raised her.

Trainer of just three horses and 'about 40 greyhounds.' Paul Hennessy sprang a 33-1 surprise with Heaven Help Us in the Coral CupCredit: Pool

"The places she has brought us are just ridiculous. We've been in Wimbledon and had great nights. It's amazing, just one animal and there she goes. She's my Enable."

Condon was one of those who appeared keen to get on with things when he lined up Heaven Help Us on the wide outside as the field came in for the first attempt at a start.

After a second aborted attempt the 26 runners were required to stand before being sent on their way.

That will not matter a jot to Hennessy, who has tasted success at the highest level in his chosen profession, winning the English Greyhound Derby with Jaytee Jet in 2016 and again three years later with Priceless Blake.

He traces his interest in horses back to the influence of Mullins patriarch Paddy, and went to pony club and gymkhanas with his four sons.

"Going racing with Paddy was a great excitement and it was a great grounding," said Hennessy. "I just think I'm dreaming. We needed a miracle. Heaven Help Us, that's her name and heaven has helped us."

Read more of Wednesday's Cheltenham Festival reports . . .

A nuts race won by a 'nuts mare' – Put The Kettle On comes to the boil yet again

Sky Pirate strikes in Grand Annual to halt Irish domination on St Patrick's Day

Rachael Blackmore flattens another Grade 1 field with brilliant Bob Olinger

'What a bloody legend' – Tiger Roll joins elite club with fifth festival win

Tiger Roll: from the Triumph Hurdle to a Cross Country hat-trick

Rachael Blackmore at her finest once again as Sir Gerhard wins from the front

'The most nerve-racking race I've watched' – Mullins relief as Monkfish scores

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