IT was sad in a sense to read during the week that Hennessy’s sponsorship of Leopardstown’s, eh, Hennessy Gold Cup has come to an end.

Their association with the race lasted from 1991 until now, and the race has grown under their sponsorship, boasting winners of the calibre of Carvill’s Hill, Jodami, Doran’s Pride, Danoli, Imperial Call, Beef Or Salmon and, of course, Florida Pearl.