THE Powers Gold Cup, traditionally run over this Easter weekend, for decades has been one of the biggest prizes for novice chasers in the Irish calendar. More recently sposnored by Ryanair and the Tote, it has provided some thrills over the years and was won by some of the best Irish-trained chasers of the last 60 years including Cheltenham Gold Cup winners Arkle, Fort Leney, Captain Christy and more recently the dual winner Al Boum Photo.

Captain Christy won it the day after he had fallen in the Irish Grand National, while Carvill’s Hill, Merry Gale, Bobsline and Dorans Pride are also on its roll of honour. It has some surprise winners too, Ruby Walsh and Ger Lyons, no less, combined for success with Big-And-Bold in 2002. There were also talented novices who just came up short, like Kinloch Brae and Rince Ri.

Two of the most popular trainers of recent years, Peter Casey and Mick Winters, enjoyed success with Flemenstar and Rebel Fitz.Thirty years ago it was the turn of the grey Blitzkreig to take home the prize under Tommy Carmody. His other big success came the following season in the then Grade 2 Victor Chandler Chase at Ascot where he claimed two notable scalps in Katabatic and Desert Orchid.

IN 1995, 25 years ago, the winner was Strong Platinum, trained on the Curragh by Paddy Burke. Burke held the licence until Christy Roche retired from the saddle and took over the permit. It was a high-class renewal with three top novices lining up. Sound Man went off favourite and was beaten by three lengths with the future Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Imperial Call, who would go on to be ridden by Conor O’Dwyer, over a length back in third. The winner was owned by Theresa McCoubrey, wife of renowed northern bookmaker Robert. The Strong Gale gelding had a great spring, going on to win twice in two days at the Punchestown Festival, again beating Sound Man in one of the graded novice chases.

TWENTY years ago, the Magnier colours were carried first past the post by the Arthur Moore-trained Native Upmanship. The gelding had a productive novice season, winning the Grade 1 Dennys Gold Medal Chase at Christmas and beating Commanche Court in the Dr PJ Moriarty Chase. He was sent off favourite for the RSA Chase in Cheltenham but could only finish fourth to Lord Noelie. He made no mistake in a facile win in Fairyhouse, beating the only other finishers by 30 lengths. He went to be a high-class consistent chaser, beating Florida Pearl by a head in the following year’s John Durkan Chase, a race he won twice. He also lost out by a short-head to Florida Pearl, between the two successes. He also won the Grade 1 Mildmay Chase in Aintree and twice finished second in the Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

TEN years ago Jadanli, named after three of the Gilligan children, gave trainer Paul the second big win of his career after Bertie’s Dream had won the Grade 1 Albert Barlett Novices’ Hurdle in Cheltenham the previous month. The gelding sprung a 25/1 shock in the colours of Paul’s father Eamon, with heavy ground leaving only three finishers, the favourite Shakervilz being remounted by Ruby Walsh after he was hampered by the falling Roberto Goldback at the last.