Settled at the rear of the field by his young jockey Brian O'Connell, he did not jump particularly well throughout but it made little difference.

BBC: Alain Cawley rides Joncol to win the Hennessy Gold Cup

The Irish pair of Paul O'Connell and Brian O'Driscoll are by far the front runners and for me Munster captain O'Connell takes it ahead of his national captain.

BBC: Jeremy Guscott column

"I am surprised that Paul O'Connell got the captaincy ahead of Brian O'Driscoll, " he said.

BBC: Boks surprised by O'Connell pick